# HUPD Dashboard ## The Harvard University Police Department has created a Dashboard to display specific performance indicators for the Department The Dashboard offers timely information and serves to improve communication, information-sharing, and transparency. For additional information about the HUPD, how to report a crime, crime prevention programs, emergency notifications, and other important information about security and HUPD’s services on campus, please review the Department’s [Annual Security Report](/annual-security-report "Annual Security Report"). ### Questions? If you have any questions surrounding the Dashboard, please email [hupddashboard@hupd.harvard.edu](/annual-security-report "Annual Security Report"). ### About the Dashboard expand\_more ### About the Data This dashboard provides statistics on HUPD service activity from 2023 to 2025 as represented by calls for service, incidents, and the use of enforcement actions, where individuals are detained or otherwise restrained by an officer in order to stabilize a law enforcement situation. Currently, the HUPD Data Dashboard includes aggregated data for calendar years 2023 to 2025. The data represented is under regular evaluation and subject to change. There are three broad categories of enforcement actions: field stops, arrests and criminal complaints, and use of force. ### Dashboard Highlights - The majority of calls for service (62%) to HUPD between 2023 and 2025, are service-related (e.g., alarm, medical, found/recovered property) rather than direct responses to crime or reported crime. - About 2.6% of calls for service responded to by an HUPD officer between 2023 and 2025 involved an enforcement action (541 of 21,083 calls). Enforcement actions include a field stop, arrest or criminal complaint, or use of force. - Out of the 21,083 calls for service that HUPD officers responded to from 2023 and 2025, 1.7% (361) involved a field stop by an HUPD officer. - Out of the 21,083 calls for service that HUPD officers responded to from 2023 and 2025, 0.7% (149) involved an arrest or criminal charges being sought by an HUPD officer. - Out of the 21,083 calls for service that HUPD officers responded to from 2023 and 2025, 0.15% (31) led to an incident involving the use of force by an HUPD officer. ### Key Terms expand\_more - **Calls for Service** - A "Call for Service" is a documented record in the Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System where an officer is dispatched to or self-initiates a response to a situation. Calls for Service (CFS) can be initiated by the community, by an officer, or in response to an alarm, and are addressed either in the field or over the phone. These incidents do not include calls transferred to another public safety agency, Harvard Department, or other entity more suited to deal with an issue. Not all calls for service result in an incident report being written. - **Incident Repor**t - An “Incident Report” is a formal document that details the circumstances, timeline, persons, property, and facts of an event surrounding a call for service. Not all calls for service require an incident report being written. The requirement is based on both Department policy and the severity of the incident. All allegations of criminal behavior are documented in reports as well as any incident resulting in an arrest or criminal complaints being sought against an individual. - **Arrests and Criminal Complaint** - An arrest is the power and authority of a police officer to apprehend and deprive persons of their liberty, as provided by law, in order that such persons may be brought before the court to answer to criminal charges. An HUPD officer may make an arrest with a warrant, without a warrant (if the officer has probable cause to believe the person has committed or is in the process of committing a felony), or for a misdemeanor offense committed in the officer’s presence. In instances where an arrest is not made at the scene, an officer may seek a criminal complaint at a later date from a district court via a written application outlining the act(s) that constitutes the crime(s). A person can be arrested or charged for multiple offenses during an incident. To learn about the statutory authority of HUPD officers, please review the [HUPD’s webpage](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/about). - **Field Stop** - A “field stop,” also known as a “Terry stop”, occurs when an officer briefly detains an individual based on their reasonable articulable suspicion that the individual is engaging in, or about to engage in, criminal behavior. Officers conduct field stops in response to a variety of situations, including, but not limited to: commission of a crime; a person matching the description of a wanted suspect, trespassing or unauthorized access to an area; reckless operation of a motor vehicle; use of an illicit substance; disobeying facility rules; or prior disruptive or disorderly behavior. During the course of the field stop, the officer requests identification from the individual stopped and may make an inquiry via the state and the FBI to determine if the individual has an active warrant for their arrest. The data reported in the HUPD Data Dashboard represents all field stops (both officer-initiated and community-officer initiated) between 2020 and 2022, including field interviews, drug law violations, warrant arrests, trespass warnings/arrests, and other incidents where a person was stopped and asked to identify themselves. - **Use of Force** - It is the policy of the Harvard University Police Department to value, protect and preserve human life. When exercising lawful authority to use force, the HUPD will only use such force as is necessary to effectively bring an incident or person under control, while protecting the lives of officers and others. Police have the right to use force in the resolution of some situations, for example, when police have probable cause to arrest someone: if the person to be arrested resists, reasonable force can be used to overcome that resistance. The HUPD is committed to the use of de-escalation techniques to negate the need to use unnecessary force on an individual. Effective communication is essential to establish a rapport with an individual in order to get voluntary compliance to directions that are given. --- ## Information by Category Calls for Service Field Stops Arrests & Criminal Complaints Use of Force Personnel Complaints ## Calls for Service **Calls for Service (CFS) can be initiated by the community, by an officer, or in response to an alarm, and are addressed either in the field or over the phone.** Not all calls for service result in an incident report being written. The calls for service data below represents calls where an HUPD officer was assigned to a call. These incidents do not include calls transferred to another public safety agency, Harvard Department, or other entity more suited to deal with an issue. A "Call for Service" is a documented record in the Department's Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System where an officer is dispatched or self-initiates to incidents such as: ### Criminal Incidents ### Safety Escorts ### Suspicious activity ### Well-being checks ### Lost and/or stolen property ### Alarms and disturbances ### Lockouts ### Trespassing ### Definitions ### Calls for Service Definitions expand\_more **Alarm - Fire, Intrusion, Panic, Other** - **Alarm-Fire** – documents incidents where HUPD receives fire alarm notifications. Officers as well as fire department personnel are dispatched to determine the cause of the alarm and to ensure public safety. - **Alarm-Intrusion** – documents incidents where HUPD receives an intrusion alarm notification for an exterior door or an interior area protected by an alarm. Officers are dispatched to determine the cause of the alarm and to ensure public safety. - **Alarm Panic** – documents incidents where HUPD receives a duress alarm notification. Officers are dispatched to determine the cause of the alarm and to ensure public safety. - **Alarm Other** – documents incidents where officers are dispatched to an audible alarm to determine the cause and to ensure public safety. **Annoying and Accosting/Disorderly Conduct, Liquor/Drug Law Violation/Driving Violations** - **Annoying and Accosting -** documents incidents of engaging in knowingly offensive and disorderly act(s). - **Disorderly Conduct -** documents incidents of fighting/threatening behavior, or other hazardous or physically offensive conduct, that served no legitimate purpose. - **Liquor/Drug Law Violation -** documents incidents of the unlawful possession, sale, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and/or alcohol on Harvard University property. - **Driving Violations -** documents incidents of driving violations including, but not limited to, speeding, reckless driving, operating under the influence (OUI), driving without insurance, or operating with a suspended license. **Arson** - **Arson** - To unlawfully and intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real property or personal property by fire or incendiary device. **Assault/Assault and Battery** - **Assault/Assault and Battery** - documents incidents of an unlawful physical attack by one person upon another or when an individual is placed in fear of violence as a result of another individual's behavior. **Assist Other PD/Agency** - **Assist Local Police** – documents incidents where HUPD officers assist a local law enforcement agency, including Cambridge PD, Boston PD, State PD, and Transit PD. Officers frequently assist local police departments for medical calls, motor vehicle accidents, or thefts in another jurisdiction. - **Assist Other Agency –** documents incidents where HUPD officers assist another agency, including fire departments or federal agencies. **Disturbance, Noise or Skateboard/Bike Complaint, Visitor Conduct** - **Bike/Skateboard Complaint -** documents incidents where HUPD receives a complaint of individuals skateboarding and/or biking on Harvard University property. - **Disturbance** – documents incidents where HUPD receives a report of an individual disturbing the peace, usually by arguing or loud noises. Officers are dispatched to determine the cause of the disturbance and request the individual(s) keep the noise level down or send them on their way. - **Noise Complaint/Loud Party** – documents incidents where HUPD officers become aware of excessive noise or a loud gathering. Officers determine the source of the noise and request the noise level be kept down or individuals disperse from the area. - **Visitor Conduct** – documents incidents where visitors have acted in a manner that either violates criminal law or University guidelines, and the person is asked by an HUPD officer to either cease their behavior or leave University property. **Escort, Assist Other Harvard Department/Citizen/Motorist** - **Assist Other Harvard Department –** documents incidents where HUPD officers assist another Harvard department, including but not limited to, Environmental Health & Safety, Campus Services, or Harvard University Health Services. - **Courtesy Escort** – documents incidents where an HUPD officer escorts students, faculty, staff, or visitors, either on foot or in a vehicle, to another location on campus or to a location nearby. - **Assist Citizen/Motorist –** documents incidents where an HUPD officer writes a courtesy report detailing credit/debit card fraud, identity fraud, internet scams, or assists motorist with directions. **Fraud/Forgery/Embezzlement** - **Embezzlement –** documents the unlawful misappropriation by an offender to his/her own use or purpose of money, property, or some other thing of value entrusted to his/her care, custody, or control. - **Forgery** – documents the altering, copying, or imitating of something, without authority or right, with the intent to deceive or defraud by passing the copy or thing altered or imitated as that which is original or genuine, or the selling, buying, or possession of an altered, copied, or imitated thing with the intent to deceive or defraud. - **Fraud –** The intentional perversion of the truth for the purpose of inducing another person or other entity in reliance upon it to part with something of value or to surrender a legal right. **Field Interview/Warrant Arrest** - **Field Interview -** A "field stop", also known as a "Terry stop", occurs when an officer briefly detains an individual based on their reasonable articulable suspicion that the individual is engaging in, or about to engage in a criminal behavior. During the course of the field stop, the office request identification from the individual stopped and may make an inquiry via the state and the FBI to determine if the individual has an active warrant for their arrest. - **Warrant Arrest -** documents incidents where HUPD places an individual under arrest for an active warrant. A warrant arrest may occur following a field interview if any officer makes an inquiry via the state and the FBI to determine if the individual has an active warrant. **Found/Recovered/Lost Property** - **Found/Recovered Property** – documents incidents where an individual turns in found or abandoned property located on campus, or property located off campus, which belongs to an affiliate. - **Lost Property -** documents incidents where a student, faculty, staff, or visitor reports the loss of personal or University property on campus. **Harassment/Stalking/Peeping and Spying/Wiretapping** - **Harassment -** incidents of a pattern of conduct or series of knowing acts over a period of time directed at a specific person, which seriously alarm that person and would cause a reasonable individual to suffer substantial emotional distress. - **Peeping and Spying -** documents incidents of photographing, videotaping or electronically surveilling partially nude or nude person. - **Stalking** - documents incidents of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress. - **Wiretapping –** documents the recording, interception, use or disclosure of any conversation, whether in person or over the telephone, without the permission of all the parties. **Hazardous Condition/Bomb Threat/Fire** - **Hazardous Condition -** documents incidents of condition that may adversely affect the safety of any individual or property. Hazardous conditions may include, but are not limited to, chemical spills, - **Bomb Threat -** documents incidents of the willful and malicious communication verbal or written, to detonate an explosive or incendiary device. - **Fire** – documents incidents of as any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner. **Kidnapping** - **Kidnapping** - The unlawful seizure, transportation, and/or detention of a person against their will or of a minor without the consent of a custodial parent(s) or legal guardian. **Lockin/Out, Open Door/Window, Stuck Elevator** - **Lockout/Lockin** – documents incidents where HUPD officers assist a student, faculty, or staff who is locked out of or locked in at a location on campus. - **Open Door/Window –** documents incidents where HUPD receives a report of an open door and/or window. Officers are dispatched to determine the reason for the open door/window, secure the area, and ensure all is well. - **Stuck Elevator -** documents incidents where HUPD receives a report of a stuck elevator. **Medical Call/Check Wellbeing** - **911 Call Abandoned** – documents 911 call hang-ups received by Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville Police where HUPD officers are dispatched to determine the reason for the hang-up and to ensure all is well. - **Check Wellbeing -** documents incidents where a student, faculty, staff, or visitor may be in need of medical assistance and an HUPD officer and/or emergency medical personnel assess the individual. - **Medical Call** – documents incidents where a student, faculty, staff, or visitor is either sick or injured and an HUPD officer and/or emergency medical personnel assess the individual, which could result in a transport to either HUHS or an outside medical facility **Missing Person** - **Missing Person** - documents incidents where HUPD receives a report of the absence of a student, faculty, staff, or visitor without an apparent reason. **Motor Vehicle Accident, Parking/Traffic Complaint/Tow** - **Motor Vehicle Accident** - documents incidents of a vehicle in motion striking another vehicle or property. - **Parking/Traffic/Condition/Tow –** documents incidents involving a broken down vehicle, an illegally parked vehicle, a vehicle blocking the roadway, or a vehicle tow. **Property Damage/Vandalism** - **Property Damage -** documents incidents of unintentional damage to Harvard University property or personal property. - **Vandalism -** documents incidents of deliberate damage or destruction to Harvard University property. **Sex Offense** - **Sex Offense -** documents incidents of Rape ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 22](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section22)), Indecent Assault ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 13H](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section13H)), and Open and Gross ([MGL Ch. 272, Sec. 16](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section16#:~:text=A%20man%20or%20woman%2C%20married,more%20than%20three%20hundred%20dollars.)). **Special Event, Demonstration** - **Special Event/Demonstration -** documents incidents where HUPD receives a report or observes a demonstration. **Suspicious Activity** - **Suspicious Activity** – documents incidents where HUPD officers become aware of concerning, non-criminal behavior occurring on campus. Incidents of suspicious activity may include an individual examining bicycles near a bike rack for an extended period of time or an individual peering into windows of University buildings. **Theft/Receiving Stolen Property** - **Theft Report** – documents incidents where a student, faculty, staff, or visitor reports the theft of personal or University property on campus. - **Receiving Stolen Property -** documents incidents where an individual knowingly receives, or assist in the concealment or buying, of stolen property. **Threat / Threat to commit a crime** - **Threat / Threat to Commit a Crime** – documents incidents where an individual threatens to commit a crime against a person or their property. **Trespass Warning/Trespass Letter/Trespassing** - **Trespass Warning** – documents incidents where individuals acted in a manner that either violates criminal law or University guidelines, and as a result, the person is issued a trespass warning for Harvard University property. Trespass warnings may also be issued upon the request of University officials. If a person returns to Harvard University property after being issued a trespass warning, the individual is subject to arrest. - **Trespass Letter -** documents incidents where HUPD issues a written a trespass warning for Harvard University property following behavior that either violates criminal law or University guidelines. Trespass letters may be issued upon the request of University officials. If a person returns to Harvard University property after being issued a trespass letter, the individual is subject to arrest. - **Trespassing -** documents incidents where an individual enters or remains on Harvard University property without permission, or enters onto Harvard University property after being issued a trespass warning/letter. --- ### Calls for Service responded by HUPD between 2023 and 2025 62% Service Related Calls 38% Direct Responses 2.6% Enforcement Action The majority of calls for service, **62%**, that the HUPD responded to between 2023 and 2025 are service related (e.g., alarm, medical, found/recovered property) rather than direct responses to crime or suspected crime. The remaining **38%** of calls for service were direct responses to criminal activity that occurred or were in the process of occurring, behavior that violates criminal law or University guidelines, or the possible threat to someone’s personal safety. Of the criminal incidents, **4%** involved reports of violent crime. About **2.6%** of calls for service responded to by an HUPD officer between 2023 and 2025 involved an enforcement action. Enforcement actions include a field stop, arrest or criminal complaint, or use of force. Multiple enforcement actions may occur in a single call for service. SortCalls for Service Incident Reports Field Stops Arrest & Criminal Complaints Use of Force 21,083 7,425 361 149 31 --- ## 2023 - 2025 Calls for Service Sort**Calls for Service Grouping** **2023 - 2025** **Calls for Service (CFS)****Yearly Average****% of Total CFS****Incident Reports Written****Yearly Average****% of Reports Written of Total CFS****Incidents Involving Enforcement Actions****Yearly Average****% of Enforcement** **Action of Total CFS**Alarm - Fire/Intrusion/Panic/Other 6,881 2,294 32.6% 75 25 0.4% 0 0 0.00% Medical Call/Check Wellbeing 3,138 1,046 14.9% 1,846 615 8.8% 11 4 0.05% Found/Recovered/Lost Property 2,082 694 9.9% 1,267 422 6.0% 0 0 0.00% Disturbance/Noise or Skateboard/Bike Complaint/Visitor Conduct 1,782 594 8.5% 254 85 1.2% 4 1 0.02% Theft/Receiving Stolen Property 1,626 542 7.7% 1,577 526 7.5% 101 34 0.48% Suspicious Activity 925 308 4.4% 370 123 1.8% 0 0 0.00% Escort/Assist HUHS/Other Harvard Dept./Citizen/Motorist 901 300 4.3% 284 95 1.3% 0 0 0.00% Motor Vehicle Accident/Parking and Traffic Complaint/Tow 848 283 4.0% 248 83 1.2% 2 1 0.01% Assist Other PD/Agency 844 281 4.0% 275 92 1.3% 20 7 0.09% Lockin/Out/Open Door/Window/Stuck Elevator 465 155 2.2% 4 1 0.02% 0 0 0.00% Property Damage/Vandalism 298 99 1.4% 275 92 1.3% 3 1 0.01% Special Event/Demonstration 271 90 1.3% 73 24 0.3% 0 0 0.00% Trespass Warning/Trespass Letter/Trespassing 227 76 1.1% 220 73 1.0% 220 73 1.04% Annoying and Accosting/Disorderly Conduct/Liquor/Drug/Weapons Law Violation/Driving Violations 214 71 1.0% 166 55 0.8% 3 1 0.01% Assault/Assault and Battery 129 43 0.6% 118 39 0.6% 70 23 0.33% Hazardous Condition/Bomb Threat/Fire 126 42 0.6% 89 30 0.4% 0 0 0.00% Harassment/Stalking/Peeping and Spying/Wiretapping 92 31 0.4% 81 27 0.4% 12 4 0.06% Field Interview/Warrant Arrest 83 28 0.4% 80 27 0.4% 79 26 0.37% Threat/Threat to Commit Crime 81 27 0.4% 73 24 0.3% 0 0 0.00% Sex Offense 40 13 0.2% 29 10 0.1% 13 4 0.06% Missing Person 12 4 0.06% 6 2 0.03% 0 0 0.00% Fraud/Forgery/Embezzlement 8 3 0.04% 6 2 0.03% 0 0 0.00% Robbery 5 2 0.02% 5 2 0.02% 1 0 0.005% Arson 3 1 0.01% 3 1 0.01% 1 0 0.005% Kidnapping 2 1 0.01% 1 0 0.005% 1 0 0.005% **TOTAL** **21,083** **7,028** **100%** **7,425** **2,475** **35%** **541** **180** **2.6%** Sex Offense may include, but is not limited to, Rape ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 22](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section22)), Indecent Assault ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 13H](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section13H)), and Open and Gross ([MGL Ch. 272, Sec. 16](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section16#:~:text=A%20man%20or%20woman%2C%20married,more%20than%20three%20hundred%20dollars.)). ## Field Stops **A "field stop", also known as a "Terry stop", occurs when an officer briefly detains an individual based on their reasonable articulable suspicion that a crime has occurred, the individual is engaging in, or about to engage in criminal behavior.** During the course of the field stop, the officer requests identification from the individual stopped and may make an inquiry via the state and the FBI to determine if the individual has an active warrant for their arrest. The data reported represents all field stops (both officer initiated and community initiated) between 2023 and 2025, including field interviews, drug law violations, warrant arrests, trespass warnings/arrests, and other incidents where a person was stopped and asked to identify themselves. --- ## Incidents Involving Field Stops, 2023-2025 Out of the **21,083** calls for service that HUPD officers responded to from 2023 to 2025, **361** (1.7%) involved a field stop by an HUPD officer. 361 Field Stops 414 Individuals 120 Stops on Average a Year From 2023 to 2025, officers conducted a total of **361** field stops involving **414** individuals. On average, the HUPD conducts **120** field stops each year, involving **138** individuals. --- ## Field Stops - Community and Officer Initiated, 2023 - 2025 88% Calls from the Community 12% Officer Initiated Of the **361** field stops, **88%** (319) resulted from calls from the community, and **12%** (42) were officer initiated. --- ### Field Stops - How Initiated SortHow Initiated2023 2024 2025 TOTAL **%** Community Initiated 99 116 104 319 88.4% Officer Initiated 16 18 8 42 11.6% **TOTAL** **115** **134** **112** **361** **100%** Community initiated refers to a call for service initiated by any individual other than an HUPD officer. Community initiated calls may be initiated by a member of the Harvard community, Cambridge or Boston community, or a local or government law enforcement agency. --- ## Field Stops - Action Taken, 2023 - 2025 27% Left voluntarily 48% Trespass warning issued 22% Arrested 3% Taken to a medical facility Of the **361** stops, involving **414** individuals, **27%** (111) of individuals stopped left voluntarily, were asked to refrain, or allowed to stay, **48%** (197) were issued a trespass warning, **22%** (92) were arrested, sought a criminal complaint against, or held for another police department, and **3%** (14) were taken to a medical facility. Of the **414** individuals stopped from 2023-2025, **340** individuals were stopped once, **23** individuals were stopped twice, **5** individuals were stopped three times, **2** individuals were stopped four times, and **1** individual was stopped five times. --- ### Field Stops - Incidents SortCalls for Service Grouping2023 2024 2025 TOTAL **%** Trespassing/Trespass Warning/Trespass Letter 53 61 79 193 53.5% Field Interview/Warrant Arrest 29 27 16 72 19.9% Theft/Receiving Stolen Property 6 20 6 32 8.9% Assault/Assault and Battery 15 9 5 29 8.0% Assist Other PD/Agency 7 6 4 17 4.7% Sex Offense 3 1 0 4 1.1% Medical Call/Check Wellbeing 2 2 0 4 1.1% Harassment/Stalking/Peeping and Spying/Wiretapping 0 3 0 3 0.8% Disturbance/Noise or Skateboard/Bike Complaint/Visitor Conduct 0 2 1 3 0.8% Property Damage/Vandalism 0 2 0 2 0.6% Annoying and Accosting/Disorderly Conduct/Liquor/Drug Law Violation/Driving Violations 0 1 0 1 0.3% Motor Vehicle Accident/Parking and Traffic Complaint/Tow 0 0 1 1 0.3% **TOTAL** **115** **134** **112** **361** **100%** Sex Offense may include, but is not limited to, Rape ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 22](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section22)), Indecent Assault ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 13H](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section13H)), and Open and Gross ([MGL Ch. 272, Sec. 16](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section16#:~:text=A%20man%20or%20woman%2C%20married,more%20than%20three%20hundred%20dollars.)). --- ## Field Stops - Affiliates and Non-Affiliates, 2023 - 2025 83% Not affiliated with Harvard 17% Harvard University affiliates Of the **414** persons stopped, **83%** (345) were not affiliated with Harvard, and the remaining **17%** (69) were Harvard University affiliates. Of those **69** Harvard affiliates stopped, **70%** (48) were students or alumni, and **30%** (21) were staff members, contractors, faculty, partners or special borrowers. --- ### Field Stops - Demographics SortDemographic**2023** **2024** **2025** TOTAL % **Race/Ethnicity** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % White 51 10 85 8 62 3 219 52.9% Black/African American 32 5 31 10 24 3 105 25.4% Hispanic 1 2 0 0 7 0 10 2.4% Asian 21 0 15 0 8 0 44 10.6% American Indian/Alaska Native 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Unreported Race 7 0 5 1 21 2 36 8.7% **Total** **112** **17** **136** **19** **122** **8** **414** **100%** **Gender** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % Male 91 15 89 14 89 7 305 73.7% Female 20 2 45 4 24 1 96 23.2% Non-Binary/Genderqueer/ Gender Non-Conforming 1 0 2 1 9 0 13 3.1% **TOTAL** **112** **17** **136** **19** **122** **8** **414** **100%** **Affiliation** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % Not Affiliated 85 16 115 18 103 8 345 83.3% Student/Alumni 16 1 14 1 16 0 48 11.6% Faculty/Staff/Contractor 6 0 1 0 2 0 9 2.2% Special Borrower/Partner 5 0 6 0 1 0 12 2.9% **TOTAL** **112** **17** **136** **19** **122** **8** **414** **100%** **Age** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % 17 and under 3 0 4 0 4 0 11 2.7% 18 to 24 13 2 20 2 19 2 58 14.0% 25 and over 86 14 101 15 88 6 310 74.9% Unknown 10 1 11 2 11 0 35 8.5% **TOTAL** **112** **17** **136** **19** **122** **8** **414** **100%** Community initiated refers to a call for service initiated by any individual other than an HUPD officer. Community initiated calls may be initiated by a member of the Harvard community, Cambridge or Boston community, or a local or government law enforcement agency. A Special Borrower is an individual with borrowing privileges at Harvard University libraries. A Partner is an individual who shares a relationship with a Harvard University affiliate. --- ## Public Log Entries for Field Interviews, 2023 - 2025 To review further data on field stops, including log narratives, please select the link below. To learn about the daily log, please visit the [Public Log webpage](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/public-police-log). [ arrow\_forward 2023-2025 Field Stops Public Logs PDF ](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/resource/2023-2025-field-stop-public-logs-pdf) ## Arrests & Criminal Complaints **An arrest is the power and authority of a police officer to apprehend and deprive persons of their liberty, as provided by law, in order that such persons may be brought before the court to answer to criminal charges.** An HUPD officer may make an arrest with a warrant, without a warrant (if the officer has probable cause to believe the person has committed or is in the process of committing a felony), or for a misdemeanor offense committed in the officer’s presence. In instances where an arrest is not made at the scene, an officer may seek a criminal complaint at a later date from a district court via a written application outlining the act(s) that constitutes the crime(s). A person can be arrested for multiple offenses during an incident. To learn about the statutory authority of HUPD officers, please review the [HUPD's webpage](/about "About"). --- ### Incidents Involving Arrests and Criminal Complaints, 2023-2025 Out of the **21,083** calls for service that HUPD officers responded to from 2023 to 2025, **0.7%** (149) led to an arrest or criminal complaint by an HUPD officer. 149 Arrests or criminal complaints by an HUPD officer 91% Resulted from calls from the community 9% Officer Initiated Most arrests and criminal complaints between 2023 and 2025 pertain to non-violent crime, such as larceny **(23%)**, trespassing **(16%),** warrant arrests **(7%),** receiving stolen property **(6%)**, and burglary **(5%)**. Of the **149** incidents, **91%** (136) resulted from calls from the community, and **9%** (13) were officer initiated. --- ## Arrests & Complaints - How Initiated SortHow Initiated**2023** **2024** **2025** **Total** **%** Community initiated 50 47 39 136 91.3% Officer initiated 5 5 3 13 8.7% **Total** **55** **52** **42** **149** **100%** Community initiated refers to a call for service initiated by any individual other than an HUPD officer. Community initiated calls may be initiated by a member of the Harvard community, Cambridge or Boston community, or a local or government law enforcement agency. --- ### Arrests & Complaints, 2023 - 2025 From 2023 to 2025, **149** incidents resulted in HUPD performing an arrest or seeking criminal complaints against a person(s). 149 Incidents 45% Arrests 55% Complaints Of those **149** incidents, **45%** (67) ended in arrests, and **55%** (82) resulted in complaints being sought against a person(s). These incidents involved a total of **157** persons and resulted in **246** total charges sought. --- ## Arrests & Complaints - Individuals with Multiple Interactions 157 Total Individuals 102 Individuals were arrested or sought for a complaint once 15 Individuals were arrested or sought for a complaint twice 5 Individuals were arrested or sought for a complaint three or more times Of the **157** individuals arrested or sought for criminal complaints from 2023 to 2025, **102** individuals were arrested or sought for a complaint once, **15** individuals were arrested or sought for a complaint twice, **2** individuals were arrested or sought for a complaint three times, **1** individual was arrested or sought for a complaint four times, **1** individual was arrested or sought for a complaint six times, and **1** individual was arrested or sought for a complaint nine times. --- ## Arrests & Complaints - Incidents Sort**Calls for Service Grouping****2023** **2024** **2025** **Total** **%** Theft/Receiving Stolen Property 22 25 19 66 44.3% Assault/Assault and Battery 12 10 8 30 20.1% Trespassing/Trespass Warning/Trespass Letter 7 8 5 20 13.4% Harassment/Stalking/Peeping and Spying/Wiretapping 3 4 2 9 6.0% Sex Offense 5 2 1 8 5.4% Field Interview/Warrant Arrest 4 2 2 8 5.4% Annoying and Accosting/Disorderly Conduct, Liquor/Drug Law Violation/Driving Violations 1 1 2 4 2.7% Property Damage/Vandalism 0 0 1 1 0.7% Robbery 1 0 0 1 0.7% Kidnapping 0 0 1 1 0.7% Arson 0 0 1 1 0.7% **Total** **55** **52** **42** **149** **100%** Sex Offense may include, but is not limited to, Rape ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 22](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section22)), Indecent Assault ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 13H](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section13H)), and Open and Gross ([MGL Ch. 272, Sec. 16](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section16#:~:text=A%20man%20or%20woman%2C%20married,more%20than%20three%20hundred%20dollars.)). --- ## Arrests & Complaints - Charges Sort**Charge Category****2023** **2024** **2025** **Total** **%** Larceny 24 17 15 56 22.8% Assault/Assault and Battery 20 13 15 48 19.5% Trespassing 9 20 11 40 16.3% Warrant Arrest 6 5 5 16 6.5% Receiving Stolen Property 3 6 5 14 5.7% Burglary 4 2 6 12 4.9% Sex Offense 5 3 2 10 4.1% Fraud 3 6 0 9 3.7% 209A Violation 1 2 4 7 2.8% Resisting Arrest 1 3 2 6 2.4% Operating Under the Influence/Driving Violation 0 1 5 6 2.4% Harassment Prevention Order Violation/Witness Intimidation 3 2 0 5 2.0% Malicious Destruction of Property 0 2 2 4 1.6% Threat to Commit Crime 1 0 2 3 1.2% Civil Rights Law Violation 2 0 0 2 0.8% Annoying and Accosting 1 0 1 2 0.8% Kidnapping 0 0 2 2 0.8% Murder - Attempted 1 0 0 1 0.4% Robbery 1 0 0 1 0.4% Disorderly Conduct 0 0 1 1 0.4% Arson 0 0 1 1 0.4% **Total** **85** **82** **79** **246** **100%** Sex Offense may include, but is not limited to, Rape ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 22](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section22)), Indecent Assault ([MGL Ch. 265, Sec. 13H](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter265/Section13H)), and Open and Gross ([MGL Ch. 272, Sec. 16](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter272/Section16#:~:text=A%20man%20or%20woman%2C%20married,more%20than%20three%20hundred%20dollars.)). Fraud charges may include, but are not limited to, Credit Card Fraud, Improper Use, Forgery, Furnishing False Name or Social Security, Identify Theft, and Uttering False Statements. Driving Violations charges may include, but are not limited to, Operating to Endanger and Operating Under the Influence. --- ## Arrests & Complaints - Affiliation Of the **157** persons, **81%** (127) were not affiliated with Harvard, and the remaining **19%** (30) were Harvard University affiliates. 81% Not affiliated with Harvard 19% Harvard University affiliates --- ## Arrests & Complaints - Demographics Sort**Demographic****2023** **2024** **2025** **Total** **%** **Race/Ethnicity** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total **%** White 17 2 26 3 21 2 71 45.2% Black/African American 19 1 12 2 11 0 45 28.7% Hispanic 11 2 4 0 4 0 21 13.4% Asian 6 0 6 0 4 1 17 10.8% American Indian/Alaska Native 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Unreported Race 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 1.9% **Total** **55** **5** **49** **5** **40** **3** **157** **100%** **Gender** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % Male 51 4 27 4 34 3 123 78.3% Female 4 1 22 1 6 0 34 21.7% Non-Binary/Genderqueer/ Gender Non-Conforming 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% **Total** **55** **5** **49** **5** **40** **3** **157** **100%** **Affiliation** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % Not Affiliated 40 5 41 5 33 3 127 80.9% Student/Alumni 9 0 3 0 5 0 17 10.8% Faculty/Staff/Contractor 4 0 3 0 2 0 9 5.7% Special Borrower/Partner 2 0 2 0 0 0 4 2.5% **Total** **55** **5** **49** **5** **40** **3** **157** **100%** **Age** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % 17 and under 2 0 2 0 0 0 4 2.5% 18 to 24 21 1 3 0 3 0 28 17.8% 25 and over 32 4 44 5 37 3 125 79.6% **Total** **55** **5** **49** **5** **40** **3** **157** **100%** Community initiated refers to a call for service initiated by any individual other than an HUPD officer. Community initiated calls may be initiated by a member of the Harvard community, Cambridge or Boston community, or a local or government law enforcement agency. A Special Borrower is an individual with borrowing privileges at Harvard University libraries. A Partner is an individual who shares a relationship with a Harvard University affiliate. --- ## Public Log Entries for Arrest & Criminal Complaints, 2023 - 2025 To review further data on arrest and criminal complaints, including log narratives, please select the link below. To learn about the daily log, please visit the [Public Log webpage](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/public-police-log). [ arrow\_forward 2023-2025 Arrests & Criminal Complaints Public Logs PDF ](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/resource/2023-2025-arrest-criminal-complaints-public-logs-pdf) ## Use of Force **HUPD officers are trained that they should only use the amount of force necessary to accomplish their lawful objective or to protect the officer or another from serious bodily injury or death.** The Harvard University Police Department values the sanctity of life and bodily integrity of all individuals. The Harvard University Police Department prioritizes the dignified and respectful treatment of all members of the public, as well as the safety of officers. In accordance with these principles, the Department and its officers shall implement this policy and sub-policies in a manner that is fair and unbiased. consistent with [M.G.L. c. 6E, §1](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter6e/Section1) and [Mass CMR 6.00](https://www.mass.gov/doc/555-cmr-6-use-of-force-by-law-enforcement-officers/download). Officers shall seek to de-escalate and gain the voluntary compliance of individuals at all safe and feasible opportunities. If force is warranted, officers shall use only the amount of force that is necessary and objectively reasonable to accomplish lawful objectives and proportionate to the resistance or threat encountered. ### More About Use of Force expand\_more Officers are trained to continually evaluate the circumstances of the encounter with the goal of deescalating to a lower force level. If de-escalation does not work, officers may apply an escalating level of force to meet the level of resistance. Officers are not required to start at the lowest level of the use of force continuum but should select the appropriate level of force based upon their observations and the requirements of the circumstances. The use of force options are: - Verbal Warning - Hand control techniques - Oleoresin Capsicum (OC Spray) - Impact weapons - Deadly force. Officers shall not use force upon another person, unless de-escalation tactics have been attempted and failed or are not feasible based on the totality of the circumstances and such force is necessary and proportionate to: 1\. Effect the lawful arrest or detention of a person; 2\. Prevent the escape from custody; 3\. Prevent imminent harm and the amount of force used is proportionate to the threat of imminent harm, while protecting the safety of the officer or others; or 4\. Defend against an individual who initiates force against an officer. HUPD officers shall not use a chokehold or other tactics that restrict or obstruct an individual’s breathing or oxygen or blood flow to an individual’s head or neck. An officer shall not obstruct the airway or limit the breathing of any individual, nor shall an officer restrict oxygen or blood flow to an individual's head or neck. An individual placed on their stomach during restraint should be moved into a recovery position or seated position as soon as practicable. Except to temporarily gain, regain or maintain control of an individual and apply restraints, an officer shall not intentionally sit, kneel, or stand on an individual's chest or spine and shall not force an individual to lie on their stomach. In no event may an officer intentionally sit, kneel, or stand on an individual’s neck or head. HUPD officers have a duty to intervene when they observe another officer using or attempting to use physical force, including deadly force, beyond that which is necessary or objectively reasonable based on the totality of the circumstances, shall intervene to prevent the observed officer’s use of unnecessary or unreasonable force, regardless of the rank or agency affiliations of the officer so observed, unless intervening would result in imminent harm to the officer or another identifiable individual. ### Use of Force Definitions expand\_more - **De-escalation**: Proactive actions and approaches used by an officer to slow down, stabilize, and reduce the intensity of an encounter in an attempt to avoid or mitigate the need to use force and to avoid or reduce threats, gain the voluntary compliance of the individual involved in the encounter, and safely resolve the encounter without further jeopardizing the safety of the officer or any individual present or involved in the encounter. - **De-escalation Tactics**: As defined in [M.G.L. c. 6E, § 1](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter6e/Section1) and [555 CMR 6.03](https://www.mass.gov/doc/555-cmr-6-use-of-force-by-law-enforcement-officers/download), proactive actions and approaches used by an officer to stabilize a law enforcement situation so that more time, options and resources are available to gain a person's voluntary compliance and to reduce or eliminate the need to use force including, but not limited to, verbal persuasion, warnings, slowing down the pace of an incident, waiting out a person, and requesting additional resources to resolve the incident including, but not limited to, calling in medical or licensed mental health professionals, as defined in [M.G.L. c. 111, § 51½(a)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter6e/Section1), to address a potential medical or mental health crisis. Deescalation tactics shall include, but are not limited to, issuing a summons instead of executing an arrest where feasible. - **Force**: As defined in 555 CMR 6.03, the amount of physical effort, however slight, required by police to compel compliance by an unwilling individual. Force does not include physically escorting or handcuffing an individual who offers minimal or no resistance. For purposes of this policy, “force” includes: 1. Any physical strike or attempted strike; 2. Any intentional contact with an individual through the use of a weapon (e.g., baton, OC,ECW, chemical weapon, kinetic impact device); 3. Any significant physical contact that restricts movement (e.g., takedown, hard empty hand techniques, chokeholds); 4. Pointing a firearm, ECW, or chemical weapon at an individual; and 5. Deployment of a police dog resulting in contact. - **Non-Deadly or Less-Lethal Force**: As defined in 555 CMR 6.03, any use of force other than that which is considered deadly force that involves physical effort to control, restrain, or overcome the resistance of another. - **Deadly or Lethal Force**: As defined in M.G.L. c. 6E, § 1 and 555 CMR 6.03, physical force that can reasonably be expected to cause death or serious bodily injury. --- ## Incidents Involving Use of Force, 2023 - 2025 Out of the **21,083** calls for service that HUPD officers responded to from 2023 to 2025, **0.15%** (31) led to an incident involving the use of force by an HUPD officer. 21,083 Total Calls for Service 31 Use of Force Incidents According to ‘[Contacts Between Police and the Public, 2022](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/cbpp22.pdf)’ among the 53.8 million U.S. residents age 16 or older, **2%** (1.04 million) experienced threats or use of force from police. --- ## Use of Force - How Initiated, 2023 - 2025 90% Resulted from calls from the community 10% Officer Initiated Of the **31** field stops, **90****%** (28) resulted from calls from the community, and **10%** (3) were officer initiated. --- ## Use of Force - How Initiated SortReason**2023** **2024** **2025** **Total** **%** Community Initiated 8 10 10 28 90.3% Officer Initiated 0 3 0 3 9.7% **Total** **8** **13** **10** **31** **100%** Community initiated refers to a call for service initiated by any individual other than an HUPD officer. Community initiated calls may be initiated by a member of the Harvard community, Cambridge or Boston community, or a local or government law enforcement agency. --- ## Use of Force - Incidents Involving Use of Force Sort**Incident Report Category****2023** **2024** **2025** **Total** **%** Assault/Assault and Battery 4 5 3 12 38.7% Medical Call/Check Wellbeing 2 3 2 7 22.6% Theft/Receiving Stolen Property 0 2 1 3 9.7% Assist Other PD/Agency 1 1 1 3 9.7% Trespassing/Trespass Warning/Trespass Letter 0 0 2 2 6.5% Field Interview/Warrant Arrest 0 1 1 2 6.5% Disturbance, Noise or Skateboard/Bike Complaint, Visitor Conduct/Unwanted Guest 0 1 0 1 3.2% Sex Offense 1 0 0 1 3.2% **TOTAL** **8** **13** **10** **31** **100%** --- ## Use of Force - Reason SortReason**2023** **2024** **2025** **Total** **%** Effect Arrest/Detention 4 8 8 20 64.5% Prevent imminent harm to self/others 4 3 2 9 29.0% Prevent imminent harm to officer(s) 0 1 0 1 3.2% Prevent the escape from custody 0 1 0 1 3.2% Self-defense against an attack 0 0 0 0 0.0% **TOTAL** **8** **13** **10** **31** **100%** --- ## Use of Force - Type of Resistance SortType of Resistance**2023** **2024** **2025** **Total** **%** Passive Resistance 4 4 4 12 38.7% Active Resistance 3 5 2 10 32.3% Assaultive (Bodily Harm) 1 4 4 9 29.0% Assaultive (Serious Bodily Harm/Death) 0 0 0 0 0.0% **TOTAL** **8** **13** **10** **31** **100%** ### Levels of Resistance Definitions expand\_more ## Levels of Resistance - **Passive Resistance** - As defined in 555 CMR 6.03, an individual who is noncompliant with officer commands and who is nonviolent and does not pose an immediate threat to the officer or the public. - **Active Resistance** – An individual’s non-compliance is increased in scope and or intensity. The subject’s non-compliance now includes energy enhanced physical or mechanical defiance. - **Assaultive (Bodily Harm)** - An individual who attempts to injure an officer or another person or who engages in conduct that has the potential to injure an officer or another person. The assault could be taking place or perceived to be imminent. - **Assaultive (Serious Bodily Harm/Death)** - An individual who engages in conduct that is likely to produce death or serious bodily harm to an officer or another person. --- ## Use of Force - Type of Force SortType of Force**2023** **2024** **2025** **Total** **%** Verbal Warning 0 1 0 1 3.2% Hand control techniques 7 11 10 28 90.3% Oleoresin Capsicum (OC Spray) Pointed 1 0 0 1 3.2% Oleoresin Capsicum (OC Spray) Discharged 0 1 0 1 3.2% Impact weapons 0 0 0 0 0.0% Firearm pointed 0 0 0 0 0.0% Firearm discharged 0 0 0 0 0.0% **TOTAL** **8** **13** **10** **31** **100%** --- ## Use of Force - Affiliates and Non-Affiliates, 2023 - 2025 Of the **31** persons, **61%** (19) were not affiliated with Harvard, and the remaining **39%** (12) were Harvard University affiliates. 61% Not affiliated with Harvard 39% Harvard University affiliates --- ## Use of Force - Demographics SortDemographic2023 2024 2025 Total % **Race/Ethnicity** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % White 4 0 3 0 7 0 14 45.2% Black/African American 1 0 4 3 3 0 11 35.5% Hispanic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Asian 3 0 2 0 0 0 5 16.1% American Indian/Alaska Native 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Unknown 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3.2% **Total** **8** 0 **10** **3** **10** 0 **31** **100%** **Gender** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % Male 7 0 9 3 8 0 27 87.1% Female 1 0 1 0 2 0 4 12.9% Non-Binary/Genderqueer/ Gender Non-Conforming 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% **Total** **8** 0 **10** **3** **10** 0 **31** **100%** **Affiliation** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % Not Affiliated 4 0 5 3 7 0 19 61.3% Student/Alumni 4 0 4 0 3 0 11 35.5% Faculty/Staff/Contractor 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Special Borrower/Partner 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3.2% **Total** **8** 0 **10** **3** **10** 0 **31** **100%** **Age** Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Community Initiated Officer Initiated Total % 17 and under 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3.2% 18 to 24 4 0 4 0 2 0 10 32.3% 25 and over 3 0 5 3 8 0 19 61.3% Unknown 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3.2% **Total** **8** 0 **10** **3** **10** 0 **31** **100%** Community initiated refers to a call for service initiated by any individual other than an HUPD officer. Community initiated calls may be initiated by a member of the Harvard community, Cambridge or Boston community, or a local or government law enforcement agency. A Special Borrower is an individual with borrowing privileges at Harvard University libraries. A Partner is an individual who shares a relationship with a Harvard University affiliate. --- ## Public Log Entries for Use of Force, 2023 - 2025 To review further data on arrest and criminal complaints, including log narratives, please select the link below. To learn about the daily log, please visit the [Public Log webpage](/public-police-log "Public Police Log"). [ arrow\_forward 2023 - 2025 Use of Force Public Logs PDF ](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/resource/2023-2025-use-force-logs-pdf) ## Personnel Complaints **The Harvard University Police Department takes seriously all complaints regarding the service provided by the Department and the conduct of its members.** The Department will accept and address all complaints of misconduct in accordance with the Department's Personnel Complaint policy and applicable federal, commonwealth, and local law, municipal and county rules, and the requirements of any employment agreements. It is also the policy of this department to ensure that the community can report misconduct without concern for reprisal or retaliation. Personnel complaints include any allegation of misconduct or improper job performance that, if true, would constitute a violation of department policy, or of federal, commonwealth, or local law, policy, or rule. Personnel complaints may be generated internally or by the public. Inquiries about conduct or performance that, if true, would not violate department policy or federal, commonwealth, or local law, policy, or rule may be handled informally by a supervisor and shall not be considered a personnel complaint. Such inquiries generally include clarification regarding policy, procedures, or the response to specific incidents by the Department. At the end of a personnel investigation where a complaint is sustained, the formal performance correction process could include a verbal warning, a written warning, suspension and in some cases, termination. As required by law, the Harvard University Police Department submits records of sustained allegations and discipline imposed on active officers to the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission. In August 2023, POST published their first report for all officer discipline across the state. The report may be found on [the Officer Disciplinary Records database](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/officer-disciplinary-records-database). ### Read More About Making a Personnel Complaint expand\_more To learn about the statutory authority of HUPD officers, please review the [HUPD's webpage](/about "About"). The quality of HUPD’s service is dependent in part on feedback from the community, and the Department has an extensive process in place to respond to complaints. The HUPD offers a variety of methods through which community members may submit feedback about their interactions with HUPD officers. 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 supervisor at 617-495-1786 (available 24 hours a day) - The Office of the Chief at 617-495-1780 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) Additionally, community members can file a complaint, raise a concern about the professionalism of an interaction, or commend an officer online at any time via [www.hupd.harvard.edu/professional-conduct](http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/professional-conduct). --- ## Personnel Complaints - Number of Complaints, 2023 - 2025 From 2023 to 2025, the HUPD investigated a total of **49** complaints. Complaints are initiated internally or externally from community members. 76% Unprofessional Conduct 12% Bias 10% Excessive Force 2% Improper Firearm Usage/Storage Of the **49** complaints, **76%** (37) involved unprofessional conduct, **12%** (6) involved an allegation of bias, **10%** (5) involved an allegation of excessive force, and **2%** (1) involved an improper firearm usage or storage. ### Read More About Personnel Complaint Allegations expand\_more - Bias - Complaints about unfair treatment because of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, mental or physical disability, immigration status or socioeconomic or professional level - Excessive Force – Complaints about excessive, prohibited or deadly force - Serious injury of death - actions which resulted in serious injury or death - Unprofessional Conduct - policy or procedure violations, conformance to laws, conduct unbecoming, untruthfulness, prohibited conduct, incompetence or unfitness for duty, etc. --- ### Personnel Complaints - Allegations SortAllegation2023 2024 2025 Total % Unprofessional Conduct 10 20 7 37 75.5% Bias 2 0 4 6 12.2% Excessive force 0 0 5 5 10.2% Improper firearm usage or storage 0 1 0 1 2.0% Serious Bodily Injury or Death 0 0 0 0 0.0% **Total** **12** **21** **16** **49** **100%** --- ### Personnel Complaints - How Initiated, 2023 - 2025 SortHow Initiated2023 2024 2025 Total % Internal 11 15 6 32 65.3% External 1 6 10 17 34.7% **Total** **12** **21** **16** **49** **100%** --- ### Personnel Complaints - Findings, 2023 - 2025 SortHow Initiated2023 2024 2025 Total % Sustained 7 16 5 28 57.1% Not-Sustained 2 0 0 2 4.1% Exonerated 1 5 9 15 30.6% Unfounded 0 0 2 2 4.1% In Progress 2 0 0 2 4.1% **Total** **12** **21** **16** **49** **100%** ### Read More About Personnel Complaint Investigation Findings expand\_more **Unfounded** - When the investigation discloses that the alleged acts did not occur or did not involve department members. Complaints that are determined to be frivolous will fall within the classification of unfounded. **Exonerated** - When the investigation discloses that the alleged act occurred but that the act was justified, lawful, and/or proper. **Not sustained** - When the investigation discloses that there is insufficient evidence to sustain the complaint or fully exonerate the member. **Sustained** - When the investigation discloses sufficient evidence to establish that the act occurred and that it constituted misconduct. **In Progress** - When the investigation is open and ongoing. The data above is based on calendar year. #### *Last updated April 1, 2026*