Howard University - Safety & Security

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Howard’s campus, itself, is relatively safe. In the past, however, the surrounding Shaw district has been ranked by USA Today and several other national publications as one of the most dangerous areas in the country. However, as a result of the district going through a process of gentrification, as well as several anti-crime programs and ordinances put in place by the city, there has been a significant reduction in the number of crimes committed against students on and around campus. Because of the district’s all-too-recent history, however, there is a visible police presence on campus, especially after dark. While it is not uncommon to see one or more police cars parked by the dorms or the occasional car patrolling the surrounding streets, it is very rare to see one by the quad or by the permanently closed streets leading into the campus.

All of the buildings on campus, with the exception of the dorms, the libraries, the gym, and the computer labs, are accessible to both students and the public alike. So, theoretically speaking, there’s always the chance that the guy you see sleeping in the back of your chemistry class on a particularly hot day just came in from the street to get some much-needed air conditioning. As for the dorms, only students with valid IDs can gain entrance. For instance, students who have not been financially validated can’t access the main computer lab, and students who don’t have housing can’t access the dorms with their IDs.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The campus is okay in terms of... The campus is okay in terms of safety and security, and the campus police do their job well enough, but it’s always advisable not to walk around late at night when there aren’t as many people around, unless you have to. Most people go around in twos and threes for extra protection. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

The closer you are to the main... The closer you are to the main campus, the safer it is and the less likely it is for you to run into any shady characters that could harm you. There are lots of campus police around, especially by the dorms, and the city police patrol the area frequently, too. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

Safety is a serious issue at... Safety is a serious issue at Howard, which is located in the heart of urban DC. Shuttle buses are available to transport students to and from the Metro station, dorms, and various campus locations. So, I think the University is doing their part to make sure students are safe. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

Security on campus is better than... Security on campus is better than it used to be, but it still has a way to go. If you keep your eyes open and watch out for yourself, you’ll be fine. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

I don’t feel safe all the time;... I don’t feel safe all the time; this is a neighborhood that has been very dangerous in the past, and even though I’ve never been attacked or anything, you never know when anything could happen. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Did You Know?

The Howard University Campus Police Department boasts seasoned police officers who have jurisdiction over the entire city and work with the Metropolitan Police Department to keep the neighborhood secure.

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