Urgent: 617-495-1212 (Longwood 617-432-1212)  |  Business: 617-495-1215

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Reporting a Crime

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Blue Light Emergency Phones
What to Include When Reporting a Crime
To Report a Crime in Progress Dial 49(5)-1212
What is Suspicious?
Anonymous Reporting (49) 6-2700
In Case of Bomb Threat

Blue Light Emergency Phones Police assistance phones are located at outdoor locations throughout the campus, and 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 persons, crimes in progress, or any police matter of an emergency nature.

In addition, gray phones, which operate within the University's Centrex system, are placed at outdoor locations. If you have questions about accessibility to these phones please contact the University Disability Coordinator at (49) 5-1859.

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What to Include When Reporting a Crime: Whether it happens to you or you're a witness, you are greatly encouraged to report a crime in a timely manner. If a crime occurs on or around campus, report it immediately to the police. When calling to report a crime or incident, please be ready to give information such as:

• A brief description of what occurred
• Where the incident occurred
• When the incident occurred
• Did the suspect(s) have a weapon
• Where and when were the suspect(s) last seen
• What did the suspect(s) look like?

Gender
Race
Age
Height
Weight
Hair Color/length
Clothing
Facial Hair
Tattoos, scars

TIMELY reporting of information assists us in apprehending suspects and posting community advisories/crime alerts. When to use emergency number:

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To Report a Crime in Progress dial 49(5)-1212. All nonemergency calls should be made to (49) 5-1215. This is the business line for the HUPD and is answered 24 hours a day.

Here are some examples of when to call 5-1212 versus 5-1215.

Dial 5-1212

• To report any crime in progress.
• For a fire alarm sounding.
• To request an ambulance.
• To report a strange odor in a building.
• To report suspicious activity.
• To report damage to your vehicle.

• To report a crime that has already occurred and you would like to file a report.
• If you are locked out of a room.
• To leave a message for an officer.
• To get information on bicycle and laptop registrations.

What is Suspicious?
"Am I witnessing a crime?" Most of us have found ourselves this at some time or another. However, just because we are not really sure, we tend to ignore what we have just seen and continued about our business. "I don't know if a crime is being committed but it just doesn't feel right." It is important to remember that "people aren't suspicious, behavior is". Signs of behavior that might be suspicious:

• A person running would be suspicious if he or she were looking about furtively, as if he or she were being watched or chased.
• A stranger carrying property at an unusual hour or location, especially if the items are stereo equipment, office machinery, or a locked bicycle.
• A person going door-to-door in an office building or a residential area
• Any person forcibly entering a locked vehicle or building
• Transactions being conducted from vehicles especially near schools or parks. You may be witnessing an illegal drug sale or sale of stolen property.
• One or more persons sitting in a parked car closely scanning the area
• A person (especially a juvenile or female) being forced into a vehicle.
• A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms may have been injured in an accident, be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medications, or otherwise need medical or psychiatric assistance.
• Unusual noises, including gunshots, screaming, sounds of fighting, barking dogs, or anything suggesting foul play, danger, or illegal activity.

If you witness any of these suspicious activities, call HUPD immediately at (49) 5-1212.

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Anonymous Reporting (49) 6-2700 A 24-hour automated voice mail system is available for members of the community to report anonymously any criminal or suspicious activity. The phone line can also be used to report domestic violence, and sexual assaults. The information provided should be as detailed as possible. HUPD offers anonymous crime reporting via our Internet web page.

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In Case of Bomb Threat: Because of the amount of schools and departments at Harvard University, each one may have their own department specific procedures to follow in the case of a bomb threat. Please consult with the building facility manager for a copy of their bomb threat procedures. Minimally you should do the following:

• Call HUPD immediately. Do not panic. Obtain as much specific information from the caller as possible, including:

  1) Location of the bomb
  2) The time it is set to detonate
  3) The type of bomb
  

• Conduct a cursory search of your area to identify suspicious or unfamiliar packages or other items. Do not touch these items! Advise the police of the location of such items.