Professional Conduct

It is vital that the HUPD maintain a positive relationship with all members of the community, all of whom should expect to be treated in a courteous and professional manner by members of the Department. Occasionally, questions arise regarding professional conduct. The HUPD does not tolerate employees who act unprofessionally, rudely, or who do not seek to provide an appropriate level of service. We also wish to recognize instances where our employees have been especially helpful or have exceeded your expectations in the service that they have provided. The quality of our service depends in part on feedback from the community, and the Department has an extensive process in place to respond to citizen complaints.

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 Shift Supervisor can be reached by calling 617-495-1786; this individual is available 24 hours a day.
• To contact the Office of the Chief, call 617-495-1780.

Additionally, community members can commend or make a complaint against an officer at www.hupd.harvard.edu/about_professional.php. Community members can include their name and email address or do it anonymously. Anonymous complaints will be investigated but the investigation may be limited if the complainant is not available for follow-up questioning.

Citizen Stops

As part of our effort to facilitate safety on campus, it occasionally becomes necessary for HUPD officers to stop members of the University community and ask for information. If an officer stops someone, it does not necessarily indicate that the person is a suspect. Cooperation in these interviews, usually by simply providing your name and proof of Harvard affiliation, assists the HUPD in promoting a safe and secure environment. We make every effort to be as sensitive and courteous as possible.

If you are stopped, you can expect the following:

• That the interview be conducted courteously That the questioning be as brief as possible
• That an apology for the inconvenience be made if appropriate
• That the officer identify himself/herself by name and badge number when requested