George Washington University - Safety & Security

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

The University places great emphasis on security and safety. The security presence on campus is three-fold, with University Police, Metropolitan Police, and the Secret Service constantly monitoring the area. There is a UPD force that patrols the campus 24-hours-a-day by foot and van. GW also has a 4-RIDE escort van service, which operates from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. daily. Students can call 4-RIDE when they want a ride from one point on campus to another, and a van will also take students up to about three blocks off-campus. The only complaint about the service—and it’s a big one—is that 4-RIDE is very slow. Students may wait for a van for up to an hour or so on a Saturday night. GW makes a good effort in trying to keep its students safe, but even with all the precautions, crime occurs. The larger freshman dorms have the best security on campus—each has a “three-swipe system.” Residents must first swipe their GWorld ID cards outside the dorm before entering, then in front of a UPD officer at the desk, and finally at the stairwells and elevators. Visitors must be signed into the building. This may seem like unnecessary measures, but it makes students feel secure.

After all, the campus is located in the middle of Washington, which has one of the highest crime rates in the country. Within the past few years, some students have even been held at gunpoint. However, most students will never encounter even a petty crime firsthand while on GW’s campus. Foggy Bottom is a safe neighborhood compared to the rest of the city; nevertheless, being in the nation’s capital, problems do arise. Overall, GW makes an effort, and the majority of students feel secure on campus.

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Students Speak Out

GWJC says: George Washington University 2015 Business

There is a plenty amount of crime,... There is a plenty amount of crime, robberies mostly. However, the University Police is very good in terms of response time and investigation. The school sends out alerts about crime and things going around DC so the students can be aware of certain situations. 12345 Safety & Security: February 27, 2009 Report

GWJL says: George Washington University 2014 History

Don't hang out alone around the... Don't hang out alone around the Foggy Bottom Metro past 10 p.m. I've received crime alerts all the time about crimes in that area. You can call 4-Ride to pick you up anywhere from campus for free and drive you anywhere on campus for free at night. 12345 Safety & Security: February 27, 2009 Report

emmyc8903 says:

Campus security is everywhere.... Campus security is everywhere. They patrol the streets, walk the hallways, ride bicycles through campus, and generally make you feel like there is always someone within reach that can help you if you are in trouble. I wouldn't suggest roaming the streets alone at 3 a.m., but that goes for anywhere in the United States, especially in major metropolitan cities. If anything, I think there is so much security that, at times, it feels like Big Brother is always out there watching! 12345 Safety & Security: August 19, 2008 Report

Anonymous says:

I can honestly say that I feel... I can honestly say that I feel safe on campus. I often walk around at night alone. However, there have been incidents of robberies and violence at GW. We live right in a city, so it’s something to think about. You definitely need to have street smarts. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

Since we are located so close to... Since we are located so close to many government buildings, we have a mix of MPD and Secret Service constantly on campus. During the day, I always feel safe, and at night, I usually take the University-provided 4-RIDE service wherever I need to go. UPD is decent, as well, and the University takes safety very seriously. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Did You Know?

GW often hires outside security officials and forbids non-GW community members from entering residence halls during major protests near campus.

Once a semester, during the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) spring and fall conferences, many of the roads on the east side of the Foggy Bottom campus are closed, and police forces dot the area due to protests that usually occur in objection to World Bank/IMF policies.

For students needing to be transported to the hospital as a result of alcohol poisoning, the University provides an amnesty policy that allows students hospitalized for the first time to not face formal non-academic disciplinary action and therefore not have that incident listed on their disciplinary record.

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