Homepage | Department of Public Safety

Excellence in truth and service through safety and awareness.

Department of Public Safety
2244 10th Street, NW, Suite 270
Washington, D.C. 20059
General: (202) 806-1100
Emergencies: Text or Dial 911or (202) 806-7777
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

Welcome to The Yard!

Staying Bison Safe

Washington, D.C., with its vibrant community of over 706,000 residents and more than 24 million visitors annually, is home to 19 colleges and universities, including Howard University, located in the city's northwest quadrant.

As members of this community, it’s crucial to recognize that we are part of an open, urban setting. This means we face many of the same safety challenges common to any major city. Ensuring the safety and security of our campus is a shared responsibility, requiring the active participation of students, faculty, and staff. Safety is a two-way street, and we all must take steps to protect ourselves and each other.

While awareness is important, it’s equally essential to make use of the safety resources available. Everyone in our community must take personal responsibility by being proactive and cautious to avoid becoming a victim of crime. The more we look out for one another, the stronger and safer our community becomes.

Exploring the city can be exciting and fulfilling, but as in any urban environment, it’s important to prioritize safety and well-being. Howard University has significantly lower crime rates than the surrounding areas and the city as a whole, but the closer you are to campus, the safer you’ll be.

We encourage all community members to stay vigilant and work together to maintain a secure campus environment.

Auto Theft Prevention Tips

Blue background with text that reads: Residence Hall Safety

Residence Hall Safety Tips

Washington D.C. is home to more than 706,000 residents and welcomes more than 24 million visitors each year. Howard University is one of 19 colleges and universities in the city, and is located in the District's northwestern quadrant.

Discovering the city can be a fun and rewarding experience, but like any urban environment, requires consideration for safety and well-being. Average annual rates of crime for Howard University are significantly lower than those in the immediate surrounding area and in the city at large.

We encourage all community members to remember that the closer you are to campus the safer you will be.

Safety Tips

Safety Tips to Stay Bison Safe

Howard is expanding its emergency communications system with the Peace of Mind (POM) Initiative. Employees and students will now have access to public safety personnel in critical situations and at the most critical times.

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HUDPS offers a variety of standard and custom training opportunities for campus community members to feel safe and to promote safety awareness at Howard. Register today to receive updates about upcoming in-person and virtual training opportunities, or to schedule a specific module for your department or unit.

Training for individuals

Training for departments

MISSION STATEMENT

The Department of Public Safety works in partnership with the University community to enhance the safety and quality of life for students, faculty, staff, and visitors through dynamic best practices of safety, preparedness, and prevention methods to protect and serve the University community.

VISION STATEMENT

To provide a safe and secure environment so that Howard University can fulfill its commitment to educating its students for leadership and service to our nation and the global community.

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