Abstract: A personal security system includes a handheld and portable alert device suitable for being carried in a woman's purse or even tethered about her neck. The alert device includes multiple input buttons—each being associated with different levels of insecurity, danger, or need for immediate assistance. The alert device may also be equipped with audio and/or visual alarms, bright lights, and a transmitter operable to contact police or security authorities immediately. In addition, the alert device may include a global position satellite (GPS) module or transponder operable to give exact geographic coordinates to police or other predetermined contacts as an aid in locating the alert device and user quickly.