Harvard UniversityHealth & Safety Summary

Written by Dominic Hood

Dominic Hood

Hometown

New Orleans, La.

Major

Psychology

View all previous student authors

Harvard students generally feel safe while roaming the streets of Cambridge, and they have good reason. The Harvard University Police Department and Cambridge Police Department do a commendable job of safeguarding the University's best assets—the students. Students also have access to multiple blue-light security phones on nearly every block, and must swipe into dorms with key cards, preventing burglars from ever endangering students.

However, Cambridge, like all cities, is not completely safe from crime. Students should always keep in mind they are in an urban setting and to be alert, especially when walking alone at night. In the past, Cambridge crime waves have alarmed local citizens, but law enforcement still works to combat the trend with an increased presence. In general, Harvard students rightly feel safe, but prospective students should not be lulled into believing Cambridge and Boston are crime-free.