Halloween Message from BPD

Dear Students,

The Boston Police Department would like to remind and encourage everyone to celebrate Halloween responsibly. To ensure your safety and the safety of others this Halloween, we kindly ask you to familiarize yourself with the following safety tips:

• Please note that patrols in and around college campuses will be increased significantly during the week and weekend of Halloween.
• If you see something, say something! Call for help if a situation seems questionable or if someone’s safety is at risk. Timely calls to 911 help solve crimes. By taking action you might prevent a crime from being committed.
• Be a responsible host. You can minimize the potential for danger and negative consequences if you’re hosting a Halloween party on or off campus by taking a few steps to keep your guests safe. Stick to your guest list, collect keys, do not serve alcohol to minors, and if police are called, be cooperative.
• Be a respectful neighbor! Keep noise to a minimum. Be sure to turn music down as the evening goes on, and be mindful of the noise level of your guests gathering on outdoor porches.
• If you are under 21 years of age, please refrain from the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol consumption by anyone under the age of 21 is an arrestable offense, as is providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Drinking in public, regardless of your age, is an arrestable offense.
• The Boston Police Department maintains open lines of communication with all local colleges and universities. Any student arrested will not only face criminal charges, but will also be subject to penalties imposed by their academic institution.
• Ride Safe: Rideshare services are a great way to get around, just be sure you do safely. Drivers always send a confirmation to riders with information on the driver and their vehicle, so remember to check that information before getting into the vehicle. You should never get into a vehicle you didn’t order. Also, at no time should a driver instruct a passenger to sit up front, unless transportation of a larger group dictates such. If you are traveling alone and a driver directs you to sit up front, trust your instincts and do not enter the vehicle.

We share this information and take these steps with the goal to keep you safe. We have seen disruptive behavior and incidents in the past that have adversely affected students personally and with their standing at school, so while we want you to have a fun time during Halloween, we want you to be careful at the same time.

Please visit BPDNews.com for additional information, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

On behalf of the Boston Police Department, Happy Halloween!

Sincerely,
William G. Gross
Police Commissioner