Patrol Division
The BUPD was established in October of 1947 and started with 13 officers stationed out of 240 Bay State Road. Currently located at 32 Harry Agganis Way, the department has 50 sworn officers and several civilian staff members. The Patrol Division is divided into three shifts: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, and 12:00 am to 8:00 am, and works 365 days a year.
Patrol officers respond to initial calls for service, emergency situations, and patrol the Boston University campuses and surrounding areas. They are engaged with the community, working to promote the safety and security of the campuses and surrounding communities.
Plainclothes and undercover officers are also utilized for special patrol assignments. There are several specialized units within the Patrol Division that officers can be assigned to, including the Detective Bureau, Community Oriented Policing Services, the Mountain Bike Unit, and the Training and Development Unit, all of which make up branches of the Patrol Division. Officers selected from the Patrol Division have the opportunity to attend specialized training courses offered by state and local agencies and other professional organizations.
Contact Captain Larry Cuzzi at 617-358-5833 with questions or concerns about the Patrol Division.
Investigation Division
On-Campus Criminal Investigations
With respect to conduct that takes place on the Boston University campuses, BUPD officers investigate criminal complaints filed by community members and pursue investigations to their most reasonable conclusion. Detectives follow up on investigations, with support when necessary from a number of law enforcement partners, including the Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police, Cambridge Police, Brookline Police, federal agencies, district attorneys’ offices, and victim-witness programs.
One of BUPD’s central concerns is the interests of the victim. BUPD recognizes the importance of confidentiality and protecting the identity of the victim to the extent possible in the course of an investigation. In criminal matters, the victim’s preferences may greatly influence the way in which a case is processed.
Regardless of whether a criminal case is pursued through the courts, the University may use its internal disciplinary processes and procedures to address behavior that is alleged to have violated Boston University’s expectations for conduct.
Off-Campus Criminal Investigations
When a student is involved in an off-campus incident involving disorderly or criminal behavior, BUPD officers may assist the local police department in its investigation. On a regular basis, Brookline and Boston Police share incident reports that involve off-campus disorderly behavior or criminal activity committed by Boston University students with BUPD. The BUPD department shares these reports with the appropriate school or department for follow-up.
If Brookline or Boston Police are called by a citizen to respond to an incident involving Boston University students taking place at an off-campus location, or on other private property, they typically will invite BUPD to respond with them or they will notify BUPD after they have responded to inform BUPD of any disorderly behavior or criminal activity. However, the Brookline and Boston Police Departments are not obligated to notify or involve the BUPD when they respond to a call involving private property.
As part of our efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment, the Detective Unit provides comprehensive investigative and crime prevention services for the entire department and University community.
The following services are offered:
- Investigate potential crimes on BU campuses
- Process crime scenes and evidence
- Gather intelligence
- Testify in court
- Provide security for executive staff and VIP visitors
- Assess building and site security
- Fingerprinting services
- Conduct background checks
- All detectives receive specialized training and are certified sexual assault investigators.