{"id":85027,"date":"2025-04-10T14:28:07","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T18:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/?p=85027"},"modified":"2025-05-28T16:29:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T20:29:18","slug":"staying-safe-and-secure-at-boston-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/staying-safe-and-secure-at-boston-university\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying Safe and Secure at Boston University"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/safety\/files\/2024\/05\/23-1580-STOCK-1137-scaled-1200x500.jpg\" jsaction=\"\" class=\"sFlh5c FyHeAf iPVvYb aligncenter\" alt=\"Safety Tips &amp; Resources | Safety, Security &amp; Preparedness\" jsname=\"kn3ccd\" aria-hidden=\"false\" width=\"916\" height=\"382\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boston University, a vibrant institution nestled within a dynamic city, warmly welcomes students from all corners of the globe. For international students, the journey to a new home can be both thrilling and daunting\u2014especially when it comes to concerns about personal safety. Understanding these challenges, Boston University places a high premium on the safety and well-being of its diverse community. As Mayor Wu <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boston.gov\/news\/state-city-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">says<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, \u201cDespite fluctuations, Boston consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in America, with crime rates lower than most comparable communities.\u201d Located in Boston\u2014the #1 safest city in the United States according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proquest.com\/docview\/3101781862?accountid=9676&amp;parentSessionId=IrAfPGp0DN4%2Bz%2BRzEVT%2BOQ7jiLvZw6cDobXigB022SQ%3D&amp;pq-origsite=primo&amp;sourcetype=Magazines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the Economist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014BU offers an added layer of reassurance for students and their families alike. The University\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/safety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety, Security &amp; Preparedness<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (SSP) department is a multifaceted entity, encompassing the Emergency Management Department, the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/police\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Boston University Police Department <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(BUPD), and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/orgs\/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public Safety Department<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Together, they work tirelessly to foster a secure environment through proactive initiatives, transparent communication, and meticulous emergency preparedness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the SSP Departments:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/files\/2014\/10\/hr-police.jpg\" jsaction=\"\" class=\"sFlh5c FyHeAf iPVvYb alignright\" alt=\"Campus Safety | Human Resources\" jsname=\"kn3ccd\" aria-hidden=\"false\" width=\"344\" height=\"257\" \/>Boston University Police Department (BUPD):<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The BUPD is a fully sworn police department with jurisdiction on and around the university&#8217;s campuses. They are committed to community policing, emphasizing proactive prevention and fostering positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They offer a range of services, including patrols, crime prevention programs, and emergency response.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is crucial to remember that they are available 24\/7.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public Safety Department:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This department plays a vital role in maintaining a safe environment through services such as security patrols, access control, and Scarlet Safe Walk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are often the first point of contact for non-emergency safety concerns.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boston.gov\/departments\/emergency-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emergency Management Department:<\/span><\/a>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This department focuses on preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of emergencies and disasters.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They develop and implement emergency plans, conduct training exercises, and coordinate with external agencies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Safety Practices for Students and Community Members:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prompt Reporting:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediate reporting of any crimes, suspicious activities, or emergencies to the BUPD is paramount. Whether the incident occurs on or off-campus, your report can contribute to a safer environment for everyone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utilize the emergency phone numbers provided by the university.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying Informed:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Familiarize yourself with the university&#8217;s emergency notification system, <\/span><b>BU Alert<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This system disseminates critical information during emergencies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regularly check your BU email and the BU Safety website for updates and safety advisories.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal Safety:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utilize the <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/police\/safetyoncampus\/safe-walk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scarlet Safe Walk<\/a> services<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offered by Public Safety, especially if you need to walk across campus late at night. Don&#8217;t hesitate to call them for assistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items in public.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utilize Available Resources:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take advantage of the safety programs and workshops offered by the university.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Familiarize yourself with the locations of emergency phones on campus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/safety\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides many resources, take advantage of them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Familiarize Yourself with the<\/span><b> Blue Light Emergency Phone System<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These easily identifiable blue light poles are located strategically across campus. In an emergency, pressing the button will directly connect you with the BUPD, providing your exact location. Learn where these are located on your regular routes. They are a vital resource for immediate assistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boston; a Safe City for All<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.prismic.io\/bounce\/Z0Sbhq8jQArT1SNu_is-boston-safe.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&amp;ar=1.7%3A1&amp;fit=crop\" jsaction=\"\" class=\"sFlh5c FyHeAf iPVvYb alignleft\" alt=\"Is Boston safe? What you should know - Bounce\" jsname=\"kn3ccd\" aria-hidden=\"false\" width=\"405\" height=\"238\" \/>As a newly admitted student, feeling safe in your new environment is essential\u2014and Boston offers just that. Recently ranked the #1 safest city in the United States, Boston combines the energy of a major metropolitan area with the security of a close-knit community. As Mayor Wu <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mayorwu\/reel\/DG1Sy9mPIrW\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">states<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, \u201cWe are the safest major city in the nation because we are safe for everyone.\u201d The city\u2019s low crime rates, reliable public transportation, and dedicated public safety services make it an ideal place to live and learn. Whether you&#8217;re exploring historic neighborhoods, commuting to class, or enjoying the city\u2019s many cultural offerings, you can feel confident knowing that Boston prioritizes the safety and well-being of its residents\u2014especially its vibrant student population.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building a Safe Community:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety is a shared responsibility. By staying informed, being vigilant, and utilizing available resources, we can all contribute to a safer and more secure Boston University community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For comprehensive information and resources, please visit the official <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/safety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boston University Safety website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure to read the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2025\/international-students-and-faculty-resource-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">comprehensive guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for international students to know about immigration and safety in the current climate!<\/span><\/p>\n<h5>About the Author:<\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/cas\/files\/2024\/06\/author-profile-pic-Doga-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-80283 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2024\/06\/author-profile-pic-Doga-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2024\/06\/author-profile-pic-Doga-320x320.png 320w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2024\/06\/author-profile-pic-Doga-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/files\/2024\/06\/author-profile-pic-Doga.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Do\u011fa Sevgi<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Marketing &amp; Communication Assistant, GRS<\/p>\n<p>Bachelor of Science, Psychology<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Boston University, a vibrant institution nestled within a dynamic city, warmly welcomes students from all corners of the globe. For [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23720,"featured_media":85048,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[198,8,376,196],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85027"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23720"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85027"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85027\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85050,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85027\/revisions\/85050"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85027"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85027"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85027"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}