A Message Regarding Campus Safety from the Dean of Students and Chief of Police
October 18, 2007
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
As we are sure you are all aware, a visitor to our campus recently reported an alleged sexual assault in Warren Towers. Understandably, this has been a cause for concern not only to those living there, but to the entire BU community. The possibility that a student or visitor might not be safe in a residence hall, or that any of us might be at risk of such a threat in our place of study or work, undermines the sense of safety and well-being that must define our community. We would like to discuss these concerns and how we are addressing these concerns. (Please keep in mind that in providing you with information, we must also comply with Massachusetts law that prohibits disclosure of certain information in connection with sexual assault investigations.)
The Boston University Police Department (BUPD) is continuing its investigation into the alleged assault. To that end, our police:
-conducted interviews with the alleged victim and the people she visited on campus;
-collected forensic evidence at the alleged site of the assault;
-interviewed over 40 members of the BU community, including all floor residents, security officers and relevant Residence Life staff;
-reviewed all guest sign-ins in the 24-48 hours prior to the alleged incident;
-reviewed security camera surveillance videotapes; and
-reviewed any security breaches, i.e., door alarms
Based on the investigation conducted to date, we have found no additional evidence of a crime, and we believe that there is no serious, continuing threat to our campus as a result of this reported assault. Nonetheless, we need to emphasize that this is an ongoing investigation and the case remains active and open. We strongly encourage any member of the BU community who has information about the incident to share it with the BUPD. This can be done anonymously through a phone call to the BUPD at 617-353-2121.
The University takes allegations such as this very seriously, and President Brown has pledged that no stone will remain unturned in investigating them. We also respect the safety and privacy of those who bring these allegations forward.
We would also like to remind our students, faculty and staff that each of us has a role to play in campus security. The BUPD and the members of the Residential Safety staff alone cannot guarantee our well-being. We all need to be aware of our surroundings, particularly when we walk on campus or in nearby neighborhoods, and especially during non-daylight hours. Students should never admit individuals unknown to them to enter residence halls, and students, faculty, and staff should never leave their rooms or offices unlocked when they are away, even for brief periods. Property should not be left unattended in public areas such as libraries, restaurants, or dining halls. Any suspicious activity anywhere on campus should be reported immediately to the BUPD at 617-353-2121.
We will inform you if the investigation yields further significant information.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Elmore Thomas G. Robbins
Dean of Students Chief, BU Police
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