Department of Public Safety
Police Advisories
To keep our community informed, the Office of Public Safety will at times provide information about incidents on or near our campus that will help each of us to remain safe, and when possible provide assistance in identifying potential risks.
Notifications
Wednesday May 21, 2008 - Murder
On Tuesday May 20,2008 The Boston Police Department discovered the body of a 22 year old Northeastern University Student, at 170 Parker Hill Avenue in Boston. Boston Police Homicide Detectives are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. In addition Boston Police have increased patrols in the area. This tragic incident serves as a reminder to all that everyone is susceptible to potential acts of violence. As college students it is imperative to possess an appropriate level of awareness in an effort to prevent oneself from being the victim of a crime. They include:
* Possess an intimate awareness of your surroundings;
* Never open your door to strangers and always keep it locked;
* Avoid dimly lit areas;
* Walk with confidence never giving the appearance of being lost or
afraid;
* Be sure to always secure your residence and your vehicle, never
leave valuable items in plain view;
* Know your neighbors and never be afraid to call the police to
report suspicious activity;
* Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Walk with friends and
people you know;
* If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross
the street. Walk towards an open store, restaurant, or residence.
* Trust your instincts. If you are ever fearful dial 911.
The incident remains an active investigation and officers are seeking the assistance of the public and asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious please come forward. Specifically if anyone witnessed a black van in the area of Parker Hill Avenue between 2:00am-3:00am please contact the Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470 or call the anonymous CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS your identity will remain anonymous.
December 14, 2007 - Armed Assault
At 2:30 p.m, December 14th a Simmons College employee was walking through the Fenway from the Main Campus to the School of Management. While in the area of the basketball courts he noticed 2 Hispanic males about 15 years old walking towards him one described as having a buzz cut and wearing a black T shirt and a white T shirt, the other as having slick backed hair and a pony tail wearing a gray "hoody" sweat shirt.
Both subjects passed him and then turned around approaching him from behind. The Simmons employee looked at them and realized that the subject with the pony tail had a knife in his hand. The Simmons employee ran from the subjects, they pursued him but he out ran them.
The Boston Police and Simmons Public Safety were notified of the incident, took a report and searched the area.
December 13, 2007 - Boston Police Alert
The Boston Police released the following alert:
Debra Rocher [47 years old, white female, 5'-6", 160 lbs., light brown hair] has been seen "panhandling" in front of Children's Hospital and on Binney St. by Dana Farber; during the month of December 2007.
Her "MO" is to approach people asking for money, giving a story about why she needs money. When people refuse her money, she shouts profanities at them, tries to intimidate them by saying she is a drug user and just got out of jail. She also is known to threaten people with bodily harm. She may have outstanding warrants.
Should this person be observed, call Simmons Public Safety or the Boston Police Area B2.
December 13, 2007 - Assault
On December 12, 2007, a Simmons College Student was walking along the Fenway from our Main Campus to our Residence Campus. While in front of Emmanuel College she walked up behind 2 black males. One of the black males crossed over to the opposite side of the Fenway, out of her sight. The other male prevented her from passing by stepping in front of her several times. She then stated that the male brushed up against her pinning her to the Emmanuel Fence. The victim then ran into the Emmanuel Campus, and into a building. She last saw the male standing by the Emmanuel driveway entrance. The victim returned to the Residence Campus and notified Simmons Public Safety. The victim describes the assailant as a light skinned black male 5'7" tall early 20's,with a mustache,wearing a "puffy" black Northface jacket with a fur lined hood and dark pants.
December 12, 2007 - Tips for Avoiding Car Breaks-Ins
The Boston Police department has asked Simmons Public Safety to pass along the following advisory:
The general area is getting plagued with car breaks. During the holiday season the numbers of breaks go up astronomically. The Boston Police offer the following safety precautions:
NEVER LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR!
Do not leave purses, wallets, laptops, Ipods, cameras, cell phones, money (including loose change), packages or any items of value in your vehicle. Remove radio face plates. Remove or secure GPS devices.
Remember to remove all telltale signs of the GPS such as the mounts and the suction cups.
ALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR.
COMPLETELY CLOSE ALL WINDOWS WHEN PARKED
Don't make it easy for the thief to enter your car.
USE ANTI THEFT DEVICES
Invest in an alarm if possible.
IF YOU OBSERVE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, CALL 911 Cell Phone users, call 617-343-4911.
November 28, 2007 - Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
Brookline Police have reported a fairly vicious attack on the Longwood footbridge around 6:30 PM on November 27, 2007. The victim reported that he saw three black males standing in front of him when suddenly an Asian male jumped out of the bushes and hit him from behind with what was described as a wooden 2X4. The victim fell off his bike and was repeatedly kicked and punched by all 4 assailants before the suspects fled by foot towards the Fenway area. The victim describes the suspects as three black males in their teens who all wore baggy jeans and dark sweatshirts. One of those suspects is described as 150-170 lbs with a goatee. The other male is described as a heavy set Asian teenager weighing approximately 185 pounds who was last seen wearing baggy jeans and a blue bandana.
Safety Precautions
As always, the College is concerned for the safety of our community members. We recommend the following precautions to maximize your safety:
- Be aware of your surroundings, don't wear headphones
- Do not walk alone, particularly at night
- Always walk in populated, well-lit areas
- Be aware of the people around you
- If you carry a cell phone, make sure it is charged and turned on
- Look for blue light, emergency phones if you need immediate help
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive
- Always have emergency money in case you need to use a cab service
- Report any suspicious incidents to the police, try to remember your exact location and any specific details of the suspect or incident
It is important to remember to report any crime or suspicious incident to the Simmons College Public Safety Department so that we can properly investigate incidents immediately. We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
If you see anything suspicious, or would like a walking escort on campus property, please call the Simmons College Public Safety Department at 617-521-1112 or x1112. If you have an emergency on campus, dial 617-521-1111 or x1111.
If you are off campus and need emergency assistance, dial 911 or *77 on your cellular phone.
