Public Safety

University Police

Our mission is to ensure that the Brandeis campus is safe and enjoyable for all who choose to live, study and work here.

Public Safety is a service-oriented, professional police department dedicated to our campus community’s safety and well-being. Our staff includes about 30 full-time and part-time police officers who provide 24/7 protection of life and property on our 325-acre campus.

In addition, we partner with the community on a variety of initiatives. The department manages the Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps (BEMCO), a group of trained student-volunteers who provide emergency medical care on campus. We provide scheduled van and shuttle services around campus, as well as into Waltham, Cambridge and Boston. Public Safety also manages more than 25 parking lots and two miles of roadways on campus.

Professional Standards

University police officers are certified by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission and derive police powers within the provisions of Chapter 22c, Section 63 of Massachusetts General Laws. They have full law enforcement authority, including arrest, in and upon all property owned, occupied, or used by Brandeis University. The department consists of a chief, a captain, two lieutenants, five sergeants, 15 police officers, 3 dispatchers, two security officers, and parking enforcement officers. Officers are also sworn in as Middlesex Deputy Sheriffs and have police authority within Middlesex County.

The university police enjoy strong professional relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Public safety works closely with the Waltham police when incidents arise that require joint investigative efforts, resources, crime-related reports, and exchange information as deemed necessary. When a Brandeis student is involved in an off-campus offense, Waltham Police officers will document the incident. The report will be forwarded to the director of public safety, who will advise the dean of students for additional follow-up.

 

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