Howard University Police Department: Ensuring Safety and Security on Campus

At Howard University, the paramount goal is to empower students to achieve their educational aspirations. Recognizing the critical role of campus safety in fostering student success, the Howard University Police Department (HUPD) is dedicated to creating secure learning and working environments across all campuses. This article delves into the HUPD's mission, initiatives, and ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security for the entire Howard University community.

Commitment to Safety and Security

The Howard University Police Department is committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff. This commitment is realized through a multi-faceted approach encompassing crime prevention, personal safety education, and shared responsibility. The HUPD emphasizes collaboration between security personnel and the university community to maintain a secure campus environment.

Howard College security officers work to educate students, faculty, and staff about crime prevention, personal safety, and shared responsibility. By working together, everyone helps maintain personal and campus safety across the college.

Reporting Emergencies and Suspicious Activity

Howard University Police Department encourages the prompt reporting of any emergency, crime, or suspicious activity on any of the campuses. Security Officers can be reached at listed numbers. In case of an emergency, calling 911 is also a viable option.

Serious offenses, including sexual assault, murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and other felony offenses reported to the Howard College Security Department, may involve joint investigative efforts with local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies. All such cases are treated with utmost seriousness, and Howard College provides full support and cooperation with all associated Title IX investigations and Clery Act responsibilities at the institutional level. The Crime Log includes incidents and reports from all 4 Howard College campuses. Reports can be opened, viewed, and printed as needed.

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard

Leadership and Vision: Chief David Taylor

Howard University welcomed David Taylor as the new Police Chief. Officially appointed on September 22nd, Taylor commenced his duties a month prior, on August 18th. His leadership is guided by the priorities of student safety, fostering an inclusive environment, and ensuring transparency within the department.

Taylor understands that protests have been a staple of Howard’s proud history.

Enhancing Police Presence and Resources

Recognizing the need for a stronger security presence, Howard University is undertaking significant investments in its police department. These enhancements include increasing the number of sworn officers and upgrading the department's resources.

Lyles said that Howard is going to be hiring and has already started the process with 32 to 40 additional sworn campus police officers. Over the summer, Howard purchased a new fleet of vehicles, which are now visible on campus.

Collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

The Howard University Police Department maintains a strong working relationship with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This collaboration is essential for addressing complex security challenges and ensuring the safety of the Howard University community.

Taylor described Howard’s relationship with the D.C. “[MPD has] been an extremely great partner when it comes to collaborating on things that we may need assistance with,’’ Taylor said.

Addressing Student Concerns and Fostering Positive Interactions

While the HUPD strives to provide a safe and secure environment, some students have expressed concerns about feeling protected by campus police and the nature of their interactions. Addressing these concerns is crucial for building trust and fostering a positive relationship between students and the police department.

Some students say that they haven’t always felt protected by campus police. One student said that she feels like she’s been not going out more unless it’s a necessity. She also said that when she had an encounter with them, they seemed not helpful. Students need more transparency about what’s going on and where they are if they need help. As campus police, officers should be interacting with the students in a positive manner, not in a way that’s enforcing and trying to have a power dynamic over us.

Transparency and Community Engagement

Transparency is a cornerstone of the HUPD's efforts to build trust and accountability. Open communication and community engagement are essential for addressing student concerns and fostering a collaborative approach to campus safety.

Students are seeking greater transparency regarding police activities and presence on campus. This includes providing clear information about ongoing incidents and ensuring that officers are readily available to provide assistance when needed.

Fostering Positive Interactions and Relationships

The HUPD recognizes the importance of fostering positive interactions between officers and students. This involves training officers to engage with students in a respectful and supportive manner, avoiding actions that may be perceived as intimidating or authoritarian. By building positive relationships, the HUPD can create a more welcoming and secure environment for all members of the Howard University community.

Crime Prevention Strategies

The Howard University Police Department employs a range of crime prevention strategies to deter criminal activity and enhance campus safety. These strategies include:

Increased Patrols: Visible police patrols serve as a deterrent to crime and provide a sense of security for students, faculty, and staff.
Security Technology: The HUPD utilizes security cameras, alarm systems, and other technologies to monitor campus activity and respond to incidents.
Educational Programs: The HUPD conducts educational programs to raise awareness about crime prevention, personal safety, and security procedures.
Community Partnerships: The HUPD collaborates with student organizations, faculty, and staff to promote safety and security initiatives.

Emergency Response Procedures

The Howard University Police Department has established comprehensive emergency response procedures to address a variety of potential threats, including:

Active Shooter Situations: The HUPD conducts training exercises to prepare officers and the campus community for active shooter situations.
Medical Emergencies: The HUPD works closely with emergency medical services to provide prompt medical assistance to individuals in need.
Fire Safety: The HUPD conducts fire drills and inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Weather-Related Emergencies: The HUPD monitors weather conditions and provides guidance to the campus community during severe weather events.

Clery Act Compliance

The Howard University Police Department is committed to complying with the Clery Act, a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The HUPD publishes an annual security report that includes statistics on reported crimes, security policies, and safety procedures.

Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Safety and Security

The Howard University Police Department is continuously working to enhance safety and security on campus. These efforts include:

Regularly reviewing and updating security policies and procedures.
Investing in new security technologies and equipment.
Providing ongoing training for police officers and security personnel.
Seeking feedback from students, faculty, and staff on ways to improve campus safety.

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