UMass Boston

Indoor emergency phones are placed in yellow wall-mounted boxes to make them easy to spot. Outdoor emergency phones are located throughout campus, on stand-alone poles, and have a blue light above them for easy identification. These phones can be used for calling the Police Department for emergency situations, to report suspicious activity, or crimes in progress. These emergency phones feature direct speed calling button (marked in red) with an automatic identifier so that the Communications Dispatcher will know your locations when the call is answered. When getting acquainted with the campus, try to note the locations of these phones. If you accidentally press the call button, Stay on the line and talk to the dispatcher. Explain it was an accident, answer their questions that they have to ask for documentation.

If you hang-up after calling 911 on a wireless/cell phone and you don’t answer on callback, but your phone plotted you with GPS coordinates, then police officers have to come and check the area and ensure no emergency assistance is required.

If you hang-up after calling 911 from a landline (residence or business) and you don’t answer on callback, police are required to check the address listed with the phone company to ensure no emergency assistance is required.

If you accidentally dial 911 or press the call button (red button) on an emergency phone, don’t hang up. If you call 911, as soon as you hit the call button the call will be completed no matter how fast you hang up. Once you enter into the 911 system, you can’t get out until a dispatcher answers the call. Always stay on the line and talk to the dispatcher. Explain it was an accident, answer their questions that they have to ask for documentation.

UMass Boston Police
Quinn Administration Building, 1st Floor, Room 100
Emergency: 911
Cell Phone Emergency: 617.287.7777
General Information: 617.287.7799
Police Dispatch: 617.287.7780, 617.287.7781
Police Tip Line: 617.287.5555
 617.287.7785