Fall 2026 Public Safety Update
Dear Tufts community member,
I want to give you a quick update from the Department of Public Safety.
We value the trust our community places in us and encourage ongoing communication about safety concerns, questions, and experiences. We hear those concerns and take them seriously. Our team shows up every day to keep the people who live, study, and work here safe. We participate in training that improves our preparedness and gives us more tools to holistically address issues as they arise on campus. As you will see below, we had a very busy summer collaborating with our partners on crisis preparedness.
We worked closely with our municipal, state, and federal partners so that, if we ever need to respond together, we can do it quickly and productively. We also count on all of you. If you see or experience something that worries you, please tell us. Speaking up helps and lets us be proactive rather than reactive, and is one of the ways each of us contributes to a safe campus. Thank you for your trust and support.
Below you’ll find what’s new in Public Safety since our last update.
Best,
Yolanda Smith
Chief of Police and Associate Vice President of Public Safety
Meeting Our Goals
Accreditation: We are proud to share that we were once again awarded accredited status this past June. To learn more about accreditation, visit the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) website.
Survey: On Wednesday, November 4, we'll launch our Public Safety Survey giving community members an opportunity to share feedback on campus safety. We especially encourage participation from those who live, work, or learn on a campus served by TUPD. Keep an eye out for the survey coming soon to your inbox.
Training: This summer, TUPD, alongside municipal partners, continued to prioritize the safety of our community by hosting three Advanced Active Incident Response (AAIR) trainings on the Medford/Somerville campus. These nationally recognized courses brought together law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, dispatch, and other public safety professionals to strengthen response capabilities during active threats and other critical incidents. Read the press release from the MA Department of Fire Services.
Campus Security: We're pleased to announce that all security posts on the Medford/Somerville campus are now staffed exclusively by Tufts campus security officers (CSOs). Using a fully in-house security team reduces the number of interactions with sworn police officers while providing a security presence that is deeply familiar with Tufts' campuses, community, and values. Visit the TUPD website to learn more about our CSO program.
Happening Now and Coming Soon
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Throughout October, TUPD is raising money for cancer patients and their families through our continued partnership with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation. Donations of $10 or more on the TUPD donation page will receive an official 2026 TUPD Pink Patch.
CPR/AED Training: The Office of Emergency Management is offering free CPR/AED courses on all four of our Massachusetts campuses. Learn more and sign up on the OEM website.
Toys for Tots: DPS will once again host its annual toy drive to provide gifts for children in need this holiday season. Donations will begin next month—stay tuned for more details.
Department Spotlight
Campus Security Officer Ryan Buchino was featured in Tufts Now, highlighting his work on the Medford/Somerville campus and the circumstances that brought him to Tufts University. Read the Tufts Now article to learn more about CSO Buchino, and visit our website to read about our CSO program.
Feedback
DPS is committed to offering space for all questions, comments, or concerns. We encourage all to use our feedback form, email us at publicsafety-inquiries@elist.tufts.edu, or visit any of our on-campus locations.