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UNO Alert App Rolls Out Two New Security Features

Access personal safety resources from the palm of your hand with the UNO Alert mobile app!

Illustration of the UNO Alert app

The University of Nebraska at Omaha Police and Public Safety Department (UNOPPSD) is committed to campus safety. Two major updates to the UNO Alert safety app are now available: Mobile Blue Light and Chat with Dispatch. These tools are designed to provide immediate, high-tech support when it is needed most.


The New Features

Important: These features are geofenced and will only work while users are at the UNO or UNMC/Nebraska Medicine campuses. If off-site, these features will be unavailable; please call or text 911 for any emergencies occurring off-site.

Mobile Blue Light: A Virtual Security Escort

Think of this as a portable version of the emergency blue light poles found throughout campus. When triggered, the app places a call to the Dispatch Center and begins sharing the user's real-time GPS location. Dispatchers can track coordinates on a live map to send help directly to the user, even while in motion.

Chat with Dispatch: Discreet, Real-Time Support

When making a phone call is not possible or safe, the Chat feature allows for silent, two-way communication. This opens a live text session where users can send messages directly to the security team. Like the Mobile Blue Light feature, initiating a chat automatically sends the user's current location to dispatchers so they know where assistance is needed.


Location, Privacy, and Coverage

These features are designed to be intuitive while respecting user privacy. Please keep the following in mind:

  • The app will not request location permissions upon download. Users will only be prompted to enable Location Services the first time they attempt to use the Mobile Blue Light or Chat features.

  • Location is shared only during an active session. The UNOPPSD security team cannot view a user's location at any other time. Tracking begins when assistance is requested and ends when the session is closed.

  • While the app provides precise GPS coordinates, it does not provide floor-level data. Dispatchers will see the location on a map but cannot determine which floor of a building the user is on. Please provide floor or suite details during the call or chat if possible.

  • These features are geofenced and will only function while on the UNO or UNMC/Nebraska Medicine campuses. If off-site, these features will be unavailable; call or text 911 for any emergencies occurring off-site.


Download the App Today

Ensure the latest version of the app is installed. While on campus, users are encouraged to open the app and familiarize themselves with the new interface to be prepared should assistance ever be needed.

Download the UNO Alert Safety App:

Google Play Store

Apple App Store

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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