Safe Harbor: Widening the ring of safety

In a city as vibrant and historic as Charleston, safety doesn’t stop at the campus gates. For students, faculty, staff and care team members at MUSC, navigating the city – especially during late hours or in unfamiliar areas – can sometimes lead to an uneasy feeling – or worse. Now, thanks to a new initiative from the MUSC Department of Public Safety, a growing network of local businesses is stepping in to help.

The program is called Safe Harbor, and it’s a community-based effort designed to provide off-campus refuge and peace of mind to those affiliated with MUSC who feel unsafe while out in the city.

Detective Esau “Figgy” Figueroa, formerly with the New York Police Department and now part of MUSC’s Public Safety Investigations Division, brought the Safe Harbor concept to MUSC. After retiring from the NYPD, he worked with Barnard College and interacted with Columbia University’s Safe Haven project before relocating to Charleston. Seeing a resource gap for those experiencing distress off-campus, he recognized the need for a system that could offer support to someone under duress.

“This is a security initiative that just makes good sense, as it widens the ring of safety. The department quickly invested in the concept, and in record time, we have it up and running. Most importantly, we’ve had an enthusiastic response from local merchants,” Figueroa noted. “Many of them already feel a strong connection to MUSC and see this as a natural extension of their role in the community.”

The concept is simple: Participating neighborhood businesses display a Safe Harbor window decal, signaling that their location is a safe place to stop in if people need help, are being followed or threatened or just need a moment to gather themselves. Staff at these businesses are prepared to call 911 if needed and to notify MUSC Dispatch that an MUSC community member has sought help. Whether it’s calling 911, offering a seat inside or simply providing a reassuring presence, these businesses serve as informal extensions of MUSC’s commitment to safety.

In the first weeks of the program’s launch, the Detective Squad has secured commitments from six local businesses, with interest from many more and ambitious plans to expand. DPS Officer Douglas Gellard joins Figueroa, who led efforts to establish the program, as part of the team ensuring its success.

Bryan Wood, DPS Emergency Management coordinator, said that while MUSC’s Department of Public Safety has jurisdiction on campus, Safe Harbor bridges the gap between MUSC and off-campus sites – where public safety concerns can affect the MUSC community but fall outside the direct reach of campus police.

“While we don’t have jurisdiction outside University grounds,” Wood said, “this allows us still to provide resources, support and follow-up.”

Figueroa explained that once MUSC Dispatch is alerted to a Safe Harbor interaction, a report is filed, and the MUSC Detective Squad initiates a formal response, ensuring that the individual receives follow-up care while assessing whether further investigation or coordination with outside law enforcement is warranted.

 

The program is voluntary for participating businesses, with no added legal responsibility. Any business can withdraw at any time by removing the Safe Harbor sticker.

Deputy Chief Stephen Espinoza, patrol commander for the DPS, said Safe Harbor arrives at a time when public safety is top of mind across the country. He sees tremendous potential for its success. “For students working late in labs, care team members heading home after night shifts or faculty members navigating the downtown area on foot, simply knowing there’s a nearby safe harbor can make all the difference.”

Figueroa agreed. “Safe Harbor is helping us to fill a gap and remain involved with our people. Quietly, respectfully but with power, that small sticker carries a big message: You are not alone.” His goal is to expand participation further into the city, starting with the busy area around King and Meeting streets. He’s also aiming to engage businesses with later hours – including those open 24/7. Ultimately, he envisions the program covering the entire peninsula.

The DPS team reminds everyone that campus safety is still a No. 1 priority, and Wood encourages all members of the MUSC community to take an active role in keeping campus safe by downloading the DPS app. “I always say that the MUSC LiveSafe app is the most important safety resource you can have on your phone,” he said.

 

The app allows users to send anonymous tips via text, photo or video and features one-touch access to MUSC Public Safety and 911 anywhere in the country. It also includes SafeWalk, a virtual tool that allows friends or peers to monitor each other’s movements in real time, sending alerts if someone doesn’t arrive at their destination as expected. Along with the QR code, the app is free and available on all major mobile platforms.

The team said Safe Harbor is the next logical step in expanding their on-campus safety mission into the broader community. Figueroa would like to explore the possibility of including other institutions, such as College of Charleston, The Citadel and Charleston Southern, to make it a citywide program. “I believe Safe Harbor has the potential to be of great value – not just to MUSC stakeholders – but for the entire city.”

Wood agreed, pointing to the team’s broader vision. “There’s no limit to the potential of this program. We are always looking to change what’s possible.”