New 'SB Guardian' App Gives Stony Brook Students Peace Of Mind

STONY BROOK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Some Stony Brook University students looking for an added sense of security might want to turn to a new app.

The university is in it's final testing phase of an app for their current security phone program the 'SB Guardian.'

As CBS 2's Tracee Carrasco reported, it's an updated take on the blue light emergency phones. Students will soon be able to download the app to their smartphones and set safety timers as they travel from one location on campus to another. If the student doesn't reach their destination in the specified time, or is in any trouble the timer automatically triggers a panic call to the university police who will then be able to use the phone's GPS to find the student.

"Anywhere there is cellular service we will get a notification," Adi Castano said.

With one touch students can also use the app to call university police. The panic call mode gives police the caller's location, a picture, and other personal information. It's an easier way to get help in an emergency.

"It allows us to have much more actionable intelligence before we get to the scene than if someone was calling 911 traditionally," Asst. Chief of Police, Lawrence Zacarese said.

Students who have already been taking advantage of the current call system said that the new version gives them and their parents even more peace of mind.

"You don't know who is walking around campus, you don't know who is who, so if anything happens to you they'll find you immediately," Castano said.

"I want to make sure that I'm safe. Especially if it's late at night," Angelo Lambroschino said.

Almost 2,000 students have signed up for the SB Guardian system. University police expect that number to grow once the app launches later this fall.

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