University Police

Panic Buttons

Panic buttons can be found inside the entrances to most residence halls, and can be identified by both a red and a blue label. Panic buttons are also installed in some administrative locations on campus. You should familiarize yourself with the location of all panic buttons at your residence hall and anywhere you may work. Activate a panic button to elicit an immediate, emergent response from the University Police.

There are currently three types of panic buttons in use at Tufts University. Most panic buttons send a silent alarm, though some panic buttons will activate a loud siren or bell. Pictured from left to right:

The newest type of panic button requires that you press the center button. Once activated the button will remain depressed until reset with a key.
Press the red button to trigger the alarm. The button will not remain depressed.
Push up from the bottom. The panic button will remain activated until reset with a key.

A telephone call is always preferrable to a panic button, as it allows the dispatcher to determine the nature of the emergency. However, panic buttons are available and should be used if it is not safe, practical, or possible to use a telephone.

[photo example of three types of panic buttons]

Tufts University, Department of Public & Environmental Safety, 419 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155
Contact Information

Updated on Friday, March 22, 2002