Safety and Security

Emory University School of Medicine is enriched by the legacy and energy of Atlanta, but the location also means that urban crime or violence are possible.

Every effort is made by the Emory University School of Medicine and Emory University to provide a safe and secure environment for our students at all sites (campuses, healthcare facilities, etc.). Emory maintains its own police department that manages law enforcement, fire safety and emergency medical services as well as advising schools and individuals on public safety matters. The Emory University School of Medicine is made aware of all public safety matters and acts on them accordingly. Grady and the VA have their own security departments and we work in conjunction with them to maintain a safe environment for all students.

The James P. Williams School of Medicine building provides 24-hour study space for School of Medicine students and a security guard is on duty after hours. The entire building can be accessed outside of business hours only by using an Emory ID card. The security guard checks student ID cards to limit after hours use to registered School of Medicine students only.

We encourage students to request a parking escort to or from the parking decks. Each campus also provides motorist assistance.

Safe Ride is a free, on-demand service that operates from 9pm to 5am daily. Students can request a ride anywhere on campus and may schedule in advance.

Emory Safe: We strongly encourage students to download and use the Emory Safe app, which is available in the Apple or Google store. The app has a Friend Walk feature that allows users to share their location with a friend, regardless of whether they have the app. During the walk, there's an option to place an emergency call, if needed. Once the user reaches their destination, the virtual walk can disconnect.

Emory Safe app

To request an EPD escort on the Emory campus, SOM students can call 404-727-6111, 24/7.

Emergency "blue light" phones located throughout campus link callers directly to the Emory Police Department in order to report emergencies and request security escorts.

Although parking decks have restricted access, the possibility still exists for break-ins. Please remove all valuables from your vehicle and either store them in locked storage spaces provided at each site or leave them at home.

Emory University Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) coordinates campus-wide activities related to unusual events. CEPAR uses Emory website bulletins, cell phone text messages, emails and other means to notify community members about precautions and plans.

Emory University-affiliated Hospitals Public Safety Departments

Officers are on duty twenty-four hours each day. Students are encouraged to notify the Public Safety Departments concerning any activity which may compromise an individual student's safety and/or the safety of any other students, physicians, residents, hospital employees, patients, or visitors.

Public Safety

Risk Reduction Tips:

• Stay alert, trust your instincts, and be aware of your surroundings.
• If something or someone makes you uneasy, move toward a place where there are other people.
• Walk in a group, or at least with one other person, whenever possible.
• Use well-lit and well-traveled areas.
• Use the safety escort services.
• Do not leave valuables (cell phones, laptops, etc.) unattended or exposed to public view.
• Program emergency numbers in your cell phone.
• Report suspicious behavior to the police immediately.

Call the appropriate number below if you ever feel that your safety or that of others is compromised, to report information about a crime under investigation, or to access resources available for survivors of sexual assault.

Emergency and Safety Escort Telephone Numbers

To Report Information Related to a Crime Under Investigation

Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault