| Services and Programs Part III |
POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief/Director, Francis D. “Bud” Riley The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) is committed to providing the Harvard community with a safe and secure environment. The HUPD accomplishes this through establishing partnerships with the community and using problem-solving techniques for crime reduction with representatives of students, faculty, staff, and other interested groups. The HUPD is a full-service police department composed of sworn police officers, civilian communication dispatchers, and support and administrative personnel. The police officers are sworn special State Police officers with deputy sheriff powers.
“Partnership for a Safe Community” VideoThe HUPD has produced a video entitled “Partnership for a Safe Community.” The video provides an overview of the HUPD, its community policing philosophy, and the services the HUPD provides. The video is one component of the HUPD’s plan to provide information on safety and security to the University community. The video is often used in conjunction with a safety talk. If you would like to schedule a safety talk and a video showing please contact the Team Leader from your area. The video also can be viewed on the HUPD website by clicking here.
Professional Conduct The HUPD’s relationship with the community is vital to achieve our mission. All community members should expect to be treated in a courteous and professional manner by members of the department. Occasionally questions arise regarding professional conduct. The Harvard University Police Department does not tolerate employees who act unprofessionally, rudely, or who do not seek to provide an appropriate level of service. We also wish to recognize instances where our employees have been especially helpful or have exceeded your expectations in the service that they have provided. The quality of our service is dependent in part on feedback from the community, and the department has an extensive process in place to respond to citizen complaints. The community is encouraged to bring to the department’s attention both compliments and questions of professionalism by contacting one of the following individuals in a timely manner: • The on-duty shift supervisor can be reached by calling 617-495-1786; this individual is available 24-hours a day.
Citizen StopsAs part of our efforts to facilitate safety on campus, it occasionally becomes necessary for HUPD officers to stop members of the University community and ask for information. If an officer stops someone, it does not necessarily indicate that the person is a suspect. Cooperation in these interviews, usually by simply providing your name and proof of Harvard affiliation, assists the HUPD in promoting a safe and secure environment. We make every effort to be as sensitive and courteous as possible.If you are stopped, you can expect the following: • That the interview be conducted courteously • That the questioning be as brief as possible • That an apology for the inconvenience be made if appropriate • That the officer identify himself/herself by name and badge number when requested Additionally, community members can commend or make a complaint against an officer at the website. Community members can include their name and e-mail address or do it anonymously. Anonymous complaints will be investigated but the investigation may be limited if the complainant is not available for follow-up questioning.
Personal ProtectionNo one can consistently predict when and where crime will occur or who its victims will be. Because crimes against individuals can and do take place even in broad daylight, students are urged to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. By being alert, one is more likely to avoid impending danger. In addition, the HUPD offers rape prevention workshops entitled Rape Aggression Defense (RAD). The objective of RAD is to develop and enhance the self-defense options for women. Additional information can be found at the website.
Residential SecurityStudents are reminded to always lock their doors even if leaving their rooms for a moment, never prop open doors, never allow visitors to “piggyback” with them when entering their residence hall, request that visitors identify themselves prior to opening the door, and never leave notes indicating one’s absence. Additional crime prevention tips can be found at the HUPD website. Students are encouraged to call the HUPD at 617-495-1212 if they observe someone acting in a suspicious manner.
Blue Light Emergency PhonesPolice assistance phones are located at outdoor locations throughout the campus; they have blue lights above them for easy identification. The dispatcher will identify the location of the phone being used and will dispatch police and other security personnel as necessary. These phones should be used to report suspicious activity, crimes in progress, or any emergency.In addition, university Centrex phones (gray) placed at outdoor locations can be used to contact HUPD at 617-495-1212. If you have any questions about accessibility to these phones, please contact the University Disability Coordinator at 617-495-1859.
Traveling at NightThe HUPD strongly encourages all students to be vigilant at all times and take appropriate precautions, such as walking with others, utilizing the designated well-lit pathways as noted in the student telephone directory, and utilizing the shuttle buses, evening van service, and walking escorts (the Harvard University Campus Escort Program/HUCEP) whenever possible. Information on shuttle buses, vans, and the overnight shuttle/van extended service can be found on the University’s Transportation Services website or by calling 617-495-0400. A HUCEP walking escort can be requested at 617-384-8237. The hours of operation for HUCEP are 10:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m., Sunday through Wednesday, and 10:30 p.m.–3:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.
Your Emergency Contact Information The HUPD recommends that all students, faculty, and staff members take a moment and enter emergency contact information in their cell phone address book/contacts under the acronym ICE (In Case of Emergency). This would assist public safety officials in contacting the person to be called in the event of an emergency if you are ever discovered unconscious or incapacitated and unable to communicate. You should enter at least two ICE contacts with first name and relationship in your address book/ contacts list. For example, your ICE entries could be: ICE – Sondra (mom) and ICE – Eileen (wife). These entries could also be used to assist in returning your cell phone in the event that it is lost or stolen.
Whistles and Shrill AlarmsSafety whistles are available for FREE at HUPD headquarters at 1033 Massachusetts Avenue, 6th Floor. Shrill alarms can be purchased at 1033 Massachusetts Avenue for $10.
Community Advisory/Crime AlertsThe HUPD disseminates community advisories and crime alerts after a serious or violent crime is reported to the HUPD or local police departments. Community advisories are distributed to the entire University community, whereas crime alerts are disseminated to the relevant population of students, faculty, and staff or to the students, faculty, and staff in a specific area or location. The purpose of the advisory and alert is to notify the community about potential public safety threats. The community advisories and crime alerts are disseminated directly to GSAS students.
Sensitive Crime UnitPersonnel from the Department’s Sensitive Crime Unit are available 24 hours a day. Members of the unit have been trained to investigate sexual offenses and to be aware of the trauma associated with such incidents. Each case is approached in a sensitive manner. The Department’s Sensitive Crime Unit may be reached by calling 617-495-1796 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At all other times, the HUPD emergency number, 617-495-1212, should be used.
Rape and Indecent Assault and Battery According to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 265, Section 22, rape is defined as follows: “Having sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with a person and compelling such person to submit by force and against his/her will, or compelling such person to submit by threat of bodily injury punishable by imprisonment in a state prison up to 20 years.”Rape may occur between people who know each other and between people who have previously had consensual sexual relations. Under Massachusetts law, both men and women may be the victims or the perpetrators of rape. If a perpetrator intentionally has physical contact of a sexual nature with the victim without the victim’s consent, the perpetrator can be charged with the crime of indecent assault and battery. Such contact may include touching a woman’s breasts or buttocks, or the pubic area of a man or woman. Indecent assault and battery is a felony that may be punishable by up to five years imprisonment. If you are uncertain whether a situation constitutes a rape or indecent assault and battery, please consult with either the HUPD, Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (OSAPR), Harvard University Health Services (HUHS), a designated Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment (SASH) Advisor, or other helping resources to get support and information, and to determine if a crime has been committed. Massachusetts General Laws and University policy seek to protect victims of rape, indecent assault and battery, and other sex offenses, and they encourage the reporting of such crimes to responsible University officials. These officials include the HUPD, OSAPR counselors, HUHS counselors, SASH advisors, your dean for student affairs, or any other University counselor. Reporting the incident to local police is also an option, and assistance is available in notifying these authorities. If you have been the victim of a rape or an indecent assault and battery, the HUPD strongly recommends one of the following options: • Call the HUPD at 617-495-1212 or 617-432-1212 (Longwood Campus) to report the incident. HUPD can arrange for an officer to transport you to HUHS, whether or not you decide to file a police report. You may call and request transportation to HUHS without divulging that you have been raped or sexually assaulted. Simply request a medical transport to HUHS and an officer will respond. • Call the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response at 617-495-9100. OSAPR provides 24-hour-a-day, confidential support and information to student survivors of sexual violence over the phone or in person. The OSAPR staff is trained to provide options, listen supportively, and provide referrals to services on campus and off-campus. • Seek medical assistance weekdays at HUHS, Holyoke Center, 617-495-2138, or evenings and weekends at HUHS/After Hours Urgent Care, Holyoke Center, 617495-5711. • Seek counseling assistance weekdays at HUHS Urgent Care, Holyoke Center, 617495-5711, or evenings and weekends at HUHS/After Hours Urgent Care, Holyoke Center, 617-495-5711. OPTIONS FOR FURTHER ACTIONProsecutionAs a victim of rape or indecent assault and battery you may want your assailant identified, apprehended, and prosecuted in court. If you choose to proceed in this manner, notify the HUPD immediately for assistance and guidance.
Non-ProsecutionYou may also choose not to prosecute your assailant. There is no law in Massachusetts requiring a rape victim to prosecute.
Disciplinary ProceduresIf the alleged offender is a Harvard affiliate, you may report the incident to a University officer to file a complaint against the perpetrator under the applicable Harvard disciplinary procedure. The Dean’s office, office for student affairs, or human resources office in your school or department can provide advice. You may initiate a disciplinary process whether or not you seek to prosecute. Reported rape and other sexual misconduct by students, faculty, or staff are grounds for initiating disciplinary procedures. Since these procedures vary among schools and administrative departments, you should consult the Dean’s office in your school or the appropriate administrative office in your school or department for information on applicable processes. The accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding. University-imposed sanctions for rape or indecent assault and battery will vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense, and may include penalties up to and including termination of student status or Harvard employment. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sex offense.
Resources for Advice and CounselingThe University and various social service providers in Cambridge and Boston offer a range of counseling and support services for victims of rape and indecent assault and battery. If you choose not to take advantage of these resources immediately, at the very least you should find a friend, counselor, or other support person to comfort you and to help you deal with the experience. That person should be with you throughout the crisis situation and follow up, and should help you regain a sense of control over events.
Harvard ResourcesThe staffs at the HUPD, OSAPR, and HUHS are well trained to aid students, faculty, and staff who are victims of rape or indecent assault and battery. In addition, each school has administrative officers and counselors available to help. These individuals can be identified through the office for student affairs in each school. Resources include: Garth McCavana, Dean for GSAS Student Affairs: 617-495-1814 External Resources:Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery: (617) 667-8141 Domestic ViolenceDomestic violence is any of the following behaviors: physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse, alone or in combination, by an intimate partner often for the purpose of establishing or maintaining power and control over the other partner. The HUPD takes reports of domestic violence very seriously and each report will be investigated fully. In any domestic violence situation, the safety of the victim and any involved children is paramount. If you are in immediate danger and need help, call the HUPD at 617-495-1212.
Hate CrimesThe HUPD is committed to protecting the state and federal civil rights of all individuals. Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes designed to infringe upon a person’s civil rights will be treated seriously and given high priority. The HUPD will use every necessary resource to identify the perpetrators rapidly and decisively, and to arrest and prosecute them while at all times taking into consideration the victim’s desire on how to proceed.
HarassmentThe HUPD takes reports of harassment very seriously and each report will be investigated fully. There are three types of harassment under Massachusetts General Laws:• Annoying telephone calls • Criminal harassment • Stalking Harassment can take the form of personal contact, mail, telephone calls, e-mail, facsimiles and internet communication. The specific action taken in any particular case depends on the nature and gravity of the conduct reported, and may include intervention, mediation, and the initiation of disciplinary processes or criminal prosecution, when appropriate. Where harassment is found to have occurred, HUPD will act to stop the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. At all times, the investigation will be conducted in a way that respects, to the extent possible, the privacy of all the persons involved. If you feel that you are being harassed or threatened in any way, it is important that you call the HUPD immediately at 617-495-1212.
Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) ProgramThe Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Program taught by HUPD officers empowers female students, faculty, and staff to combat various types of assaults by providing them with realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. This empowerment is taught through four basic principles: education, dependency on self, making one’s own decisions, and realization of one’s own power. The objective of RAD is to develop and enhance self-defense options for women. The course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. The classes provide women with the knowledge to make educated decisions about resistance.For more information about RAD on campus or to determine when the next course will run, please contact the RAD Coordinator.
Laptop RegistrationStudents, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to register their laptops. The HUPD offers you two ways to register your laptop. You can register it online on the HUPD website or through the STOP program.The online registration is a free service provided by the HUPD. The HUPD maintains a database that stores the make, model and serial number of your laptop. In the event of the loss or theft of the laptop the HUPD will be able to provide you with that information, which could help facilitate the recovery of the laptop. To register your laptop online, please visit the website. In addition to the online registration, the second method to register your laptop is through the STOP program. The HUPD, in partnership with Security Tracking of Office Property (STOP) Inc., provides a theft prevention and recovery system. For a $10 registration fee your laptop will be registered in a database that is good for the life of the computer. Your laptop will be fitted with a unique, tamper-proof patented plate, with a barcode and indelible tattoo. You may register your laptop by bringing it to HUPD headquarters at 1033 Massachusetts Avenue or by watching for notices of periodic laptop registrations conducted at various points throughout the University. For additional information on the STOP program, visit their website.
Bicycle RegistrationStudents, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to register their bicycles. Registration is free for all students, faculty, and staff (faculty and staff may register their families’ bicycles also). Registration serves as a deterrent to theft and can help in the recovery of stolen bicycles. The serial number is recorded and an identifying sticker is placed on your bicycle. You will need to provide the HUPD with the bicycle’s serial number, manufacturer, model, and color.The HUPD offers you two ways to register your bicycle. You may register it in-person by bringing it to HUPD headquarters at 1033 Massachusetts Avenue, to 180 Longwood Avenue, or to other substations, or by watching for notices of periodic bike registrations conducted at various locations throughout the University. You may also register your bicycle online. Upon registering your bicycle, you will be mailed a registration sticker to be attached to your bicycle. To reduce the chance that your bike will be stolen, use two locks, each with a different locking mechanism. For more information, visit www.massbike.org/info/lockbike.pdf.
Lost and FoundThe HUPD serves as the central collection point for lost and found items, such as keys, backpacks, eyeglasses, and bikes. If you have lost property, please contact the HUPD Property Custodian via the HUPD website or by calling 617-495-1783 to determine if your property has been recovered. In your message please describe your property, a time frame of when you lost it, and where you believe you lost it.
Medical EmergenciesStudents should dial 9-911 for medical assistance in any life-threatening situation. Urgent medical assistance is available 24 hours a day at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS). The HUPD provides medical transports to HUHS 24 hours a day. By law, the HUPD cannot transport non-ambulatory students in police vehicles. They do, however, respond to all medical emergencies. If they are unable to transport the victim, they will provide emergency medical treatment until trained medical professionals arrive.
PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICESMobile friendly version: shuttle.harvard.edu/m The Shuttle Tracker is an online and mobile service that continuously displays the location of Harvard University shuttles and animates their motion against a detailed map of recognizable University buildings and landmarks. The University Shuttle Service operates fixed route bus service during the academic year (except university recognized holidays and term breaks) providing safe, convenient, and reliable transportation throughout the Cambridge and Allston campuses. Major stops include: Memorial Hall, Pound Hall, Currier House, Mather House, Boylston Gate, Lamont Library, Harvard Kennedy School, and the Business School. Harvard Shuttles are open to all members of the Harvard Community, including faculty, staff, and students. From our low-floor and lift-equipped buses to our door-to-door van service, Harvard's entire system is accessible for riders of all abilities. The Daytime Van Service is designed for persons who, because of mobility impairment or medical condition, find it extremely difficult or impossible to use the regular shuttle bus. This service operates year round throughout the Cambridge and Allston campuses and is available to all faculty, staff and students. Riders for the van service must be approved by local disability coordinators listed below. After approval, rides are by appointment only. The service normally operates from 7:45 a.m. until 7 After 7 p.m., fully accessible shuttle vans are available through the Evening Van Service. (Reservations are not required for the Evening Van Service.) The Evening Van Service is designed to transport faculty, staff and students safely about the campus area as a supplement to the shuttle bus system. The service operates between 7 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., seven days a week throughout the entire year, including summer and break periods. No advance arrangements are needed. However, the last call for a ride must be received by 2:30 a.m. For more information, or to request a ride, please call 495-0400.
MEDICAL SCHOOL SHUTTLE SERVICEThe Medical School Shuttle (M2) is managed by the Medical Area Service Corporation (MASCO) year-round, Monday through Saturday, between the Lamont Library Gate on Quincy Street, Harvard Yard, and the Longwood Medical Area. For schedule information, call 617-632-2800. Check the current location of the M2 Cambridge anytime, anywhere with a mobile phone (web enabled) at http://masco.transloc.com/m/ or on the internet at http://shuttles.masco.org. Tickets and passes may be purchased in advance at 283 Longwood Avenue, Boston, or at the Events and Information center, Holyoke Center Lobby, Cambridge. GSAS students need only swipe their University ID card to ride the bus for free.
MOTORIST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MAP)Fleet Management Services provides free on-campus emergency road service for faculty, staff, students, and visitors who need help charging a dead battery, changing a tire, or retrieving keys that have been locked inside a car. This service is available between 7:00 a.m. and midnight, Monday through Friday (except University holidays). Call 617-496-SAFE.
MEDICAL TRANSPORT SERVICEMedical escorts to HUHS are provided by the police 24 hours a day. The Harvard Police, by law, cannot transport non-ambulatory community members in Harvard Police vehicles. They do respond, however, to all medical emergencies, and if they are unable to transport, they provide emergency medical treatment until medical professionals arrive. Students can call 617-495-1212 for police assistance.
ZIPCAR 1-866-4 Zipcar
PARKING Harvard University Parking Services Parking in Cambridge is extremely limited. On-street parking is reserved for vehicles registered with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and principally garaged in Cambridge. Cambridge parking stickers are available at the City of Cambridge Transportation Department located at 238 Broadway. Private rental parking is scarce and expensive. The University suffers from a finite number of parking spaces, and Cambridge regulations effectively limit the growth of parking in the city. GSAS students who require parking must fill out an application and submit it to the Parking office during registration. Successful candidates will be assigned parking in Allston. Resident/Tenant Parking—Non-assigned parking in the One Western Avenue garage is valid 24 hours a day for students living within the campus area. Resident parking is for the academic year ending June 30, 2010.* Parking for July and/or August is also available at an additional cost. Commuter Parking—Non-assigned parking in the One Western Avenue garage between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. for students living outside the campus area. Commuter parking permits are issued for the academic year ending June 30, 2010.* Evening Commuter Parking—Parking in designated parking lots between 5:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, and all day on weekends and University holidays. Evening Commuter parking is available on the Allston side of the University to all students, and valid for the year ending June 30, 2010.* In order to register for parking, all students must provide the following information: 1 A valid driver’s license and/or Harvard ID as required.2 Proof of residency (e.g., lease, current utility, cable, or telephone bill with the student’s name and address on it). 3 Vehicle registration, which clearly states the student’s or parent’s name.
Accessibility and Parking—The University Disability Coordinator and Parking Services jointly manage all parking policy and parking requests based on disability. Students with specific needs should contact the Local Disability Coordinator. The Local Disability Coordinator will request any medical documentation or other verification of disability or injury that may be necessary prior to the authorization of parking or shuttle services. Students who require accessible parking as a reasonable accommodation will not be required to pay more than the yearly student rate for comparable parking types (taking into account hours of access and the nature of the parking facility), regardless of whether such students are assigned to a lot or garage generally reserved for faculty or staff.
Parking for Guests—Temporary visitor parking permits for all campus lots are made on a space-available basis through Parking Services.
*Note: 2009–2010 rates have not been confirmed. |