Over the last several weeks, questions have been raised about safety in light of recent reports of crimes occurring on or near the Harvard campus. I share the concern that many members of the community have expressed. The University takes its responsibility over the security of the campus very seriously, and the unusual number of reported assaults has prompted the University to take a number of steps. I wanted to let you know what we have done thus far and of some additional measures we will soon be implementing.
Over the last several weeks, the Harvard University Police Department has substantially increased the number of both uniform and plainclothes officers on duty during the night and evening. As explained in its most recent community advisory, the Department has used the additional staff to increase its patrols of paths that students frequently use after dark. The Cambridge Police Department is also increasing its presence in the Harvard Square area. The two departments are closely coordinating their investigations into the reports and are working aggressively to find the people involved.
The College, through the Safety Committee and its representatives from the Houses and the Freshman Dean's Office, Facilities, and HUPD, has also been active during this period working to improve access to information about designated pathways, shuttle service and evening van service. We will shortly implement a new walking escort program and are reviewing concerns about Shuttle Bus Schedules and the Evening Van Service.
We also wish to stress that we must be careful about how we move about in an urban area at night:
- Walk in groups, along designated pathways, and in well-lit areas. Designated pathway maps are in the back of the Student Telephone Directory and available at: www.hupd.harvard.edu/designated_safety_pathways.pdf. Soon they will be posted in all shuttle buses. Please remember that the Harvard University Police Department is conducting regular foot patrols on the designated pathways.
- Use the Shuttle Bus Service (24 hours during reading and exam period) or the Evening Van Service (7:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.) available at: www.uos.harvard.edu/transportation/shu.shtml. The shuttle number, 617-495-0400, will be placed on the blue emergency phones as well as on the shuttle schedule holders/displays to be in placed in critical areas such as Johnston Gate.
- Call the Harvard University Police Department at 617-495-1212 if you have particular safety concerns in waiting for transportation due to the hour or circumstance. HUPD will assist with transportation whenever appropriate.
- Download the "Help at Harvard" poster for resources should you need help, available at: www.college.harvard.edu/services/help_at_harvard.pdf. These posters are also being placed in all campus buildings.
- If you see any suspicious activity, please report it to the Harvard University Police Department immediately at 617-495-1212.
Your safety and well-being are our primary concern and I will continue to work on strengthening campus safety and security. I invite you to contact me (
hcdean@fas.harvard.edu), Judith Kidd (
jhkidd@fas.harvard.edu), Chair of the College Safety Committee, or HUPD Chief Francis Riley (
francis_riley@harvard.edu), with your suggestions and concerns.
