Security
UMass Amherst is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus and they have extensive staff and systems to assure this. The campus police force of more than fifty officers provides 24-hour security and subscribes to the principles of community and problem solving policing. You’ll see them in cars, on foot, on bikes, on motorcycles, and even on horses, keeping an eye on every corner of the campus. Public Safety also works to educate students about personal safety though a series of programs and talks.
Residence Hall Safety
The residence halls are also well protected. The doors are locked at all times and only accessible with proper identification. In the evenings, security staff monitors the main door of each residence, checking IDs and registering guests. The Housing website can tell you more about residence hall security.
HELP Phones
There are approximately 100 yellow HELP phones with blue lights located at the entrance to all residence halls and throughout the campus. These emergency telephones enable you to call for help at the touch of a button. No dialing or conversation is required. In case of an emergency—sudden illness, fire, robbery, assault, or similar situations—all you have to do is go to the nearest HELP phone, press the red HELP button, and a police officer will be sent to your location at once. If you are able to, you can talk to the dispatcher. The HELP phones can also be used to report suspicious activity, unusual behavior, or hazardous situations to the police.
Escort Service
The Department of Public Safety provides an escort service, during the academic year, for all members of the UMass Amherst community and campus visitors. Walking escorts will be provided to and from all areas of campus every night from 7:00 PM until 3:00 AM.
Campus Shuttle
The Campus Shuttle service will also keep you safe, minimizing the need to walk alone. The buses do a circuit around UMass Amherst and you can get a bus about every 15 minutes during the peak time of the day. The shuttle service runs from early in the morning until very late at night. The Transit Services website has more details.
