Reporting Crimes or Other Emergencies
Boston University students, staff, and faculty are urged to report all crimes and emergency situations as promptly as possible—whether they occur on or off campus—to the Boston University Police Department. Prompt reporting will help the department address emergency situations and provide notice to the University community where appropriate. Telephone stickers with the emergency number are distributed to residences and to faculty and staff offices. This information is also printed on the back of all Terrier ID cards. The Boston University Police Department responds to all emergencies on campus, including reports of crime, medical emergencies, suspicious activities, fires, or other hazards. If you believe an emergency situation exists, call the Boston University Police emergency number: 617-353-2121. If the emergency involves a fire, call 911 first and then BUPD.
If you are on the Medical Campus, you may also call the Public Safety Department 617-358-4444:. If you are off campus, you should report any suspected crime or other emergency to local officials by dialing 911.
In addition, students may seek assistance from their own Resident Assistant or other members of Residence Life (617-353-4380), the Dean of Students office (617-353-4126), or the University Service Center (617-358-1818).
The BUPD depends on members of the community to report suspicious behavior and emergencies. Please report any suspicious activity so that BUPD officers may investigate. Additional information about reporting suspicious activities is available on the BUPD website.
Boston University encourages all members of the community to report all crimes, including when the victim of the crime elects not to report or is unable to report the crime directly.
Members of the Boston University community and the public at large may provide anonymous tips to the Boston University Police. Anonymous tips may be texted to 847411. Type BU <space> and then the message. Standard text messaging rates apply. The message is anonymous and the sender may opt out at any time by texting “stop” to 847411. In addition, anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 617-353-6516 or by filling out an online form.
Boston University’s mobile application “BU Mobile” (available for download from iTunes) contains an “Emergency” section that permits you to call BUPD, Student Health Services, the Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center, or the Escort Security Service with one touch.