Case Study: University of Glasgow achieves enhanced emergency preparedness and campus-wide safety with CriticalArc SafeZone

University of Glasgow Chooses SafeZone After IED Incident

The University of Glasgow faced a major security wake-up after a 2019 postal IED revealed organisational shortcomings. Head of Security Gary Stephen prioritized improved team coordination, situational awareness and mass communications, and chose SafeZone from CriticalArc to deliver those capabilities.

CriticalArc implemented SafeZone across the university in just four weeks, giving the control room real‑time officer and volunteer locations, two‑way communications and a 24/7 app for students and staff. The system has enabled rapid, measurable interventions — including a police arrest in under three minutes after a student alert — strengthened lone‑worker protection, achieved high uptake, improved coordination with emergency services, delivered cost savings versus disparate systems, and raised student satisfaction with campus safety.

University of Glasgow

Gary Stephen

Head of Security & Operational Support