A Message from the Dept. of Public Safety 1/12/23

Dear members of the Tufts community,

The series of threats that the university received last month has now ceased, and the Tufts University Police Department, and our municipal and state partners, remain prepared to handle any future threats that might arise. However, we recognize that this episode has left some concerned about their safety and security on our campuses.

I want to assure you that our campuses are safe and protected. And I ask for your assistance in helping keep our campuses safe. Please contact us if you see or experience anything out of the ordinary.

Though I cannot comment on the details of our active, multi-agency investigation, I can assure you that we are working diligently to determine who is responsible for the threats. Please do not mistake our need for discretion regarding updates on the investigation’s status for a lack of action. This remains a top priority for our department and the university.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your response to the threats. You listened to the public safety instructions and made our job of checking buildings and spaces much easier. For this, my public safety colleagues and I are truly appreciative.

I also recognize that there can be frustration based on the level of information we are able to provide during these events. Please know that we are making determinations based on the credibility of threats and other relevant information; as a result, both the content of messages and the transmission methods we use might vary. Ensuring your safety in the specific event, while trying to limit the likelihood of future threats, is always the most important factor in our response. Our goal is to provide as much accurate, actionable information as quickly as we can and to keep you updated as needed during events such as these.

As always, we will be doing an after-action report to learn from this incident and improve our processes moving forward. We always welcome your input and feedback. If you have suggestions for us, please email publicsafety-inquiries@elist.tufts.edu

As community members return to campus for the start of the new semester, I know some will still be processing feelings and concerns from last month’s events. I encourage you to continue to support each other and take advantage of the resources available to Tufts students, faculty, and staff as needed. The University Chaplaincy, Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS), Ears for Peers, the Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion, the International Center, and the Dean of Student Affairs Office on the Medford/Somerville campus are all available to support you. You may also reach out to the Counselor-on-Call available 24/7 by calling 617-627-3360 and following the prompts. Faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to the Tufts Employee Assistance Program and the University Chaplaincy if you need support during this time.

With warm regards,

Yolanda Smith, Executive Director of Public Safety