Companion app can make students feel safer

Michelle Marchante/Staff Writer

Have you ever walked alone late at night on campus and have passed by a suspicious person or heard a strange noise that sends warning bells through your mind? How many times have you thought someone should have accompanied you while walking at night?

With the invention of Companion, a free iOS and Android app, you may never have to think that again.

It’s common knowledge that one of the easiest safety measures someone can take to protect themselves at night is to use the “buddy” system. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to be accompanied everywhere you go; that’s where Companion comes in.

Created by five University of Michigan students, the Companion app allows friends and family members to virtually walk you to your destination. After inputting your destination, you’re asked to select one or more people from your contacts to be your “companion.”

The app, whether you friend has the app or not, will send them a text message with a link to a live map of your route so they can watch you every step of the way. During use, the app will tap into your phone’s sensors to catch possible signs of danger, such as if you suddenly start running, drop your phone or get pushed down. Your friends will then be notified to check up on you.

The app’s most notable security feature is the “Call 911” button, which is specifically tailored to work with the universities that are part of the Companion Monitoring Service program, but can still be used wherever you are.

If you press the button while on a campus that is participating in the program, it’ll immediately share your location and information with the dispatcher. This will save you time from having to explain where you are.

If you happen to be in an area that’s not subscribed to their program, the app will automatically connect you to a dispatcher in your area. The app will also send a notification to your companions, alerting them that you have called the police and require assistance.

According to David Navas, FIUPD’s Public Information Officer, while the University is not participating in the Companion program, they have looked into this app and other similar ones to see which one is most suitable for our university’s community. They have also spoken with UTS to better understand the different features each app offers.

“Although we believe personal safety applications are a great tool for safety and definitely have a place in a university setting, we still encourage all to continue to practice basic fundamental safety techniques like the ‘buddy’ system, walking in well-lit areas, and to take advantage of the services offered by the University,” Navas said.

These services, such as the panther trams, are provided by the department of Parking and Transportation. The panther tram escorts students to various locations on campus. The FIUPD also provides escorts, mainly during late hours when panther trams or other services by Parking and Transportation are unavailable.

“We encourage everyone to remember these services can be obtained by calling the department of Parking and Transportation at (305) 348-6173 or the FIUPD at (305) 348-2626,” Navas said.

The Companion app may not meet all of our university’s needs, but it could still be a useful tool in a student’s arsenal; whether for on-campus or off-campus use. It’s important to remember though that this app isn’t meant to replace the buddy system and it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be aware of your surroundings.

Like all apps, it has some inherent risks. Issues with privacy could arise from using it. These include having your companions inherently develop a stalking mindset towards you or even causing anxiety in them as they watch their screens for an emergency notification.

Though this app definitely has its benefits, nothing is better than simply being aware of your surroundings. At the end of the day, Companion is merely an app made from code.

[image from Flickr]