Douglas Helps Develop Safe Walk App for BYU

PROVO, Utah – BYU gymnast Mackenzie Douglas is working to create a safer BYU campus. Her work with the Student Advisory Council has led to the development of the new Safe Walk feature for the BYU mobile app.

"BYU gymnastics has really allowed me to expand my interests and talents outside of the gym," Douglas said. "With the support of my coaches and the team, I was able to participate in the student advisory council, where I worked with other students in developing the app."

Douglas, a senior studying political science, worked with the safety committee on Student Advisory Council this past school year. Their goal was to create an app that would help students feel safer on and around campus. 

"I was really interested in creating something that would help students feel more safe on campus," Douglas explained. "I usually get to campus when it's dark early in the morning, and I leave late at night. Since I walk most days, I feel safer knowing that the police are a button push away. "

The project was originally projected to take a few years to complete, but support from administration and the student body allowed Douglas and the safety committee to push the project forward much faster. Developers estimate the feature will be available for all students within the month.

To use the app, a student selects his or her destination. BYU police can then track the student until the student marks his or herself as safe. In an emergency, the student can hit the red button on the screen, and the phone will call BYU police dispatch.

The university already offers a Safe Walk program where officers will walk students to the edge of campus at night, but many students don’t use it. BYU Police hopes this new app feature will provide an accessible option for students who are uncomfortable with an in-person escort. 

Watch the ElevenNews highlight below to see students testing the feature.