HUPD
Ten Stories That Shaped 2020
The past twelve months were a year like no other for Harvard and the world. Under the backdrop of a once-in-a-century pandemic, students took classes from all over the globe, while pushing for social change at the University and on the political stage. Here, The Crimson reviews ten stories that defined 2020 at Harvard.
HUPD Deputy Chief of Operations to Take Over as Harvard's Interim Chief of Police
Harvard University Police Department Deputy Chief of Operations Denis Downing will take over as Harvard’s interim chief of police on Jan. 1 as the nationwide search for a new department leader continues.
Racism Exposed in Harvard's Police Force
Criticisms of HUPD in 2020 coincided with a national reckoning on systematic racism in policing that erupted during the summer.
External Review into Harvard Police Proposes Philosophical, Procedural Changes
Harvard released the findings of an external review into the University's police department Wednesday that recommended both long-term, philosophical reforms and immediate procedural changes to the department.
Harvard Alliance Against Campus Cops Releases Report, Holds Event Calling for Abolition of HUPD
The Harvard Alliance Against Campus Cops called for the abolition of HUPD and presented a report on the police force’s history and procedures Tuesday.
Harvard Saw Increase in Bias Crime Reports, Decrease in Reported Rapes During 2019
Reports of on-campus bias crimes jumped in 2019, while reported rapes on campus declined for the third consecutive year, Harvard’s annual security report published Friday by the University’s police force showed.
UC Passes Legislation to Increase Transparency of Community Council, HUPD
Harvard’s Undergraduate Council passed legislation Sunday afternoon dedicated towards increasing accountability of the Community Council and the Harvard University Police Department.
Harvard Police Union Alleges Work Schedule Bid Process Violated Contract
Harvard’s police union filed a grievance with the University Wednesday alleging the force’s leadership violated the union’s collective bargaining agreement.
Nearly One Third of Harvard Undergrads Favor Proposals to Abolish or Defund HUPD
Roughly a third of undergraduates report favoring proposals to abolish or defund the Harvard University Police Department, according to a survey by The Crimson.
Harvard Police Investigating Unlawful Entry into Cabot House
An individual broke into Cabot House early last Tuesday, though they did not appear to steal property or enter residents’ rooms, according to reports by Harvard officials.
Harvard Police Officer Union Takes University to Arbitration Over Change in Work Schedule
The Harvard police officer union and the University will meet in arbitration on Dec. 18 to discuss a forthcoming change in officers’ patrol schedule that the union alleges is a violation of its collective-bargaining agreement.
City of Cambridge Publishes Manual on Trauma-Informed Policing Initiative
The City of Cambridge published a manual this month outlining its trauma-informed policing initiative and offering guidance on how to implement a similar program in municipalities around the country.
Officers’ Concerns Linger as HUPD Completes First Phase of Internal Review
Harvard’s police department completed the fact-finding phase of an internal review launched in response to reports of racism and sexism within the force at the end of August, University officials said.
Students Question Whether Independent Review Will Change Harvard Police’s ‘Reputation for Being Bad News’
Members of the Undergraduate Council who met with the leaders of an independent review of the Harvard University Police Department said they worry the University will incrementally change, rather than transform, policing on campus.
University Creates Search Committee to Select Chief of Police
Harvard launched a nationwide search Thursday for its next chief of police, led by a special committee of members spanning the University’s schools.
Students and Alumni Rally Outside University President's House to Call for the Abolition of Campus Police
Harvard students and alumni demonstrated outside University President Lawrence S. Bacow’s house Tuesday evening to call for the abolition of police on campus and the divestment of the school’s endowment from the prison industry.
More Than 1,000 Harvard Affiliates Sign Letter Calling For Title IX Transparency from Administration
Campus anti-sexual assault advocacy group Our Harvard Can Do Better submitted a letter to University administrators Tuesday demanding Harvard increase their transparency about impending changes in its Title IX policy.
University Launches Independent HUPD Review Following Criticism Over Presence at Boston Protest
The University announced a new review of its police department to evaluate how it collaborates with local law enforcement, University President Lawrence S. Bacow announced in an email to affiliates Wednesday.
Embattled Harvard Police Department Chief Will Retire by Year’s End
Harvard police department chief Francis D. “Bud” Riley will step down from his post by the end of the calendar year, he announced in an emailed statement to the department Monday.
Presence of Harvard Police at Police Brutality Protest Reignites Student Calls for Abolition of HUPD
Students renewed their calls for the abolition of the Harvard University Police Department after HUPD officers were seen monitoring a demonstration held in Boston on Tuesday over the murder of George Floyd, a black man, by Minneapolis police.
Harvard University Police Association
The Harvard University Police Association union’s contract is set to expire in late November, while the department is also undergoing an internal review of climate and culture.
Harvard Police Department Reaffirms Commitment to Internal Review As Virus Disrupts Initial Phase
The committee reviewing Harvard’s police department has scaled down its efforts to solicit feedback from Harvard affiliates as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
HUPD Union Leadership Calls For External Review of Department
The executive board members of the Harvard University Police Association union said Monday that they are not confident in the ongoing climate review of Harvard’s police because of department leadership's involvement.
Second Round of Burglaries Reported in River Houses
Four incidents of burglaries were reported Feb. 29 in Quincy, Lowell, Adams, and Mather Houses, according to police logs released by the Harvard University Police Department.