University Police is implementing new technology that will make NC State a safer campus. New technology implementations include Social Sentinel, an online database that tracks suspicious behavior on social media, updates to WolfAlert and new active-shooter education videos that are available online. 

These new implementations are a way for police to stay better connected and keep students, staff and visitors safe when on campus, according to University Police. 

Social Sentinel

Social Sentinel monitors suspicious behavior at major events such as football games and the Rolling Stones concert at Carter-Finley Stadium in July. University Police adopted Social Sentinel six months ago, but are still in the process of learning how to use it. 

Social Sentinel works almost like a search engine, according to Major David Kelly. Police type in keywords to the database that would indicate a threat on campus. However, the new software only tracks behavior on public social media accounts. Students who have private Facebook and Twitter accounts will not have their information visible on Social Sentinel. 

“The sole purpose is not to dig into the personal information of people around the area, but it enables us to better monitor real-time concerning behavior,” Kelly said.

In several of the last mass-shooting incidents around the U.S., the individuals responsible often posted things on social media as a preemptive message of what they were about to do. 

Brooke Bennes, senior studying biological sciences and former resident advisor, said she thinks it’s good University Police is using this technology. 

“Safety is more important than privacy,” Bennes said. 

Alert.Us

Last year, University Police added Alert.Us to the WolfAlert system on campus. Alert.Us works so if a student is logged in with his or her unity ID on a university device, a WolfAlert will now pop up on the screen of the device. This new software was added in case students do not see the traditional WolfAlert notifications on their personal device, according to Kelly. 

Alert.Us was used on campus when two inmates escaped a transport vehicle Nov. 6. Alert.Us sent notifications to all university devices the moment University Police found out. 

Luke Baker, senior studying geology and resident advisor in Owen Hall, said he thinks any improvements or additions University Police are making to raise awareness will benefit students. 

Baker explained that he does not always check his email, so it can be easy to miss a WolfAlert. But now with Alert.Us, if he or anyone else is using a university device they will now know the minute a WolfAlert is issued. 

Baker said there is no perfect way for University Police to notify everyone the minute crime happens, but University Police is doing a good job about trying to notify as many students and faculty as possible. 

“There will never be a 100 percent successful way [to notify students], but every little bit will help,” Baker said.

Active Shooter Video 

In addition, University Police has received more requests during the past year on active shooter safety. In response, University Police installed an active shooter response training video on its website for students to watch.

The active shooter video explains what to do in the event that someone opens fire on campus. Active shooter videos are typically used in companies to spread awareness about workplace violence. The video University Police has provided is unique because it is intended for college students to be diligent for potential signs of danger. In the video, University Police emphasizes how to respond when a shooter is in proximity, how to respond when police arrive and how to recognize signs of potential violence.  

“I feel safer on campus than off campus because I know the police are always close by,” Bennes said.