Safety-Related Awareness Programs & Other Services

University Orientation

During the summer and fall, members of the Police Department and Judicial Affairs (in the Dean of Students office) deliver safety and security presentations to parents and incoming undergraduate students. These sessions provide information on crime prevention, our various security programs, and what resources are available to all members of the University community.

Expectations for student behavior under the Code of Student Responsibilities are clearly defined, with examples provided.

New Employee Orientation

The Boston University Police Department and Human Resources provide crime prevention and safety materials to new employees at the University’s orientation program.

Town Hall Meetings

Held throughout the academic year, town hall meetings give students an opportunity to meet with the Chief of Police & Executive Director of Public Safety and the Dean of Students to discuss safety and security on campus. Town hall meetings are announced on the Police Department website.

Safety Week

BUPD sponsors Safety Week each fall semester. Held at the George Sherman Union, Safety Week includes RAD demonstrations, computer and bicycle registration, and provides information and resources about a number of other safety issues, including alcohol.

Awareness Programs and Classes

The Boston University Police Department offers the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program specifically for women who wish to physically protect themselves against rape and other forms of violence. The 16-hour or the 20-hour course is taught by certified BUPD RAD instructors. The goal of the BUPD RAD program is to provide an easily accessible program of education and awareness for the women of Boston University. The program trains women in basic self-defense and offers them viable options when confronted with various threats of violence.

Members of the Boston University community can schedule a ride-along with a Boston University police officer. For more information, contact Deputy Chief Robert Molloy.

Group Meetings

Members of the Boston University Police Department meet regularly with student groups, including fraternities and sororities, to discuss safety issues. Contact BUPD at 617-353-2110 to ask a member of BUPD to attend one of your group meetings.

Informational and Educational Materials

The Boston University Police Department provides helpful tips about safety and crime prevention, including tips for safety in the dorms and suggestions for steps to take if you are the victim of a crime.  The Boston University Police Department also issues Safety Bulletins (RSS newsfeed available).

The Medical Campus Public Safety Department prepares and disseminates a variety of informational brochures providing general guidance for safety and crime prevention, including bicycle theft, “street sense,” and identity theft.

Emergency Blue-Light Telephones

Emergency telephones have been installed in many Charles River Campus and Medical Campus areas. In the event of an emergency, simply press the red button to be connected directly to help. For a map of available blue-light telephones on the Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus, visit the BU Maps website and click “Emergency Call Boxes.”

Security Escort

Charles River Campus: 617-353-4877
Scarlet SafeWalk provides walking escorts to students and employees seven nights a week, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. (3 a.m. on weekends). Service is extended during study periods and final examinations.

Medical Campus: 617-358-4444
The Public Safety Department will provide escorts to the garages, lots, and surrounding Medical Campus buildings during night and weekend hours upon request.

Domestic and Dating Violence Prevention

The Boston University Police Department provides a full range of services addressing domestic and dating violence issues, including obtaining restraining orders, safety planning, and criminal prosecution.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

The University maintains a dedicated website addressing bike safety on campus and outlining laws and regulations for bikers, drivers, and pedestrians on campus and in the city. Parking & Transportation Services, Sustainability, and the BUPD work together to run campus events promoting bike safety throughout the year. The Bike Safety site also administers an online bicycle registration program to support, promote, and increase awareness about this important transportation option. Registration is open to all members of the Boston University community. We also strongly suggest you secure your bicycle with a high quality steel U-lock.

Laptop Registration Program

Offered by the BUPD through STOP (Security Tracking of Office Property), this program enters laptops in a national database and tags computers with an aluminum plate that aids not only in deterring theft but in the return of recovered property. An indelible tattoo is also etched into the cover of the laptop that remains even if the plate is removed.  Details are available at the Boston University Police Department website or at 32 Harry Agganis Way.

Building Security Assessment

To ensure that the physical environment is as safe as possible, specially trained police officers will conduct thorough security assessments of University facilities. Specific recommendations are made based on exhaustive criteria to increase the overall physical security of Boston University facilities.

To request a building security assessment, contact the BUPD at 617-353-5362 or police@bu.edu.