RebelSAFE emergency phones, located throughout UNLV’s campuses, offer an essential and accessible way to report safety concerns or request immediate assistance. These phones provide two-way communication, allowing the community to report emergencies while also enabling University Police Services (UPD) to provide critical information in real time.

This fall, UNLV completed the first phase of the Shadow Lane Campus (SLC) emergency phone project, updating and adding six emergency phones to ensure that support is just a button push away. 

The improvements include adding an area light, blue flashing light, a weatherproof phone, camera, and amplified speakers to help users be seen and heard in critical moments. 

The project’s first phase focused on updating existing units and installing new emergency phones at the Shadow Lane campus, enhancing accessibility for students, staff, and visitors. By placing these upgraded phones across the campus, UNLV has created an essential network of support that can be accessed in seconds. 

Phase 2 of the project is now underway and includes adding seven emergency phones to both the Maryland and Shadow Lane campuses. Future phases are being planned with a focus on unserved areas of pedestrian activity. 

“As UNLV grows, so does its emergency phone network,” said Darren Paulson, director of telecommunications in Business Affairs. “Our team monitors and maintains each phone around the clock and conducts quarterly testing to ensure all features work reliably. This expansion reflects UNLV’s commitment to safety, providing tools for fast responses in urgent situations and reinforcing a campus-wide culture of security.”

How RebelSAFE Emergency Phones Work 

RebelSAFE emergency phones trigger critical actions when activated. UPD is alerted on its exact location, blue lights flash to alert those nearby, and help is dispatched.

Cameras continuously record whether or not a phone is activated, allowing dispatchers to monitor real-time or past footage as needed. 

If a victim or suspect moves away from the initial location, UPD can access video surveillance on surrounding emergency poles or other cameras in the area to obtain a comprehensive view of the situation as it unfolds. 

The RebelSAFE Advantage 

In life-threatening situations, every second matters. Calling 9-1-1 on your cellphone routes you first to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, which then transfers the call to UPD after verifying the call came from UNLV. This can add precious minutes to response time.

By using campus RebelSAFE emergency phones, callers are instantly connected with University Police Services. 

If on-campus and a campus emergency phone is not within a safe or appropriate distance, using an on-campus desk phone to dial 9-1-1, the RebelSAFE Mobile Safety App, or dialing (702) 895-3669 on your mobile device will route you to University Police Services.

If off-campus, calling 9-1-1 is always the best option, as your call will be routed to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point for assistance. 

When to Use the RebelSAFE Emergency Phones:

• When you would call 9-1-1, including:
  • Emergency situation 
  • Situations requiring immediate medical attention 
  • In-progress fire, smoke, or other hazardous situation
  • Immediate threat to life, safety, or property
  • Safety concern needing immediate attention  
• Requesting assistance from university police, including a safety escort
• Reporting a nearby crime or suspicious activity

Visit the University Police Services webpage for a complete map of Emergency Phone locations.