Spring Break Safety Message & St. Patrick's Day Parade
The following message regarding spring break safety and expectations for the respectful and safe observance of St. Patrick's Day events was sent to Suffolk students. Please consider taking a moment to discuss safety and family expectations with your student as these two events approach.

Suffolk University will observe (no classes) spring break (Sat, March 11 - Sun, March 19).

Residence Halls will close on Sat, March 11 at 10 a.m. and reopen on Sun, March 19 at 10 a.m. University offices will be open regular business hours the week of March 13-17. 
March 6, 2017

Re: Spring Break Safety Message and St. Patrick's Day Parade

Dear Students and Administrators:

Over the next few weeks college campuses will recess for the annual Spring break holiday. Whether you have a planned trip, you are going home, or you are remaining in the Boston area I'm sure it will be an enjoyable time and hiatus from your daily routine. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate some basic safety tips before you depart from the city and also a remind you of expected conduct if you plan on attending the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in South Boston or attend celebrations across the city that celebrate the holiday.

As you do whenever you leave your residence for a period of time, please make sure you secure your apartments/dormitories. The warmer weather traditionally generates a rise in residential breaks and with many apartments left unoccupied during these next few weeks, house breaks become a concern for the BPD. Lock all your doors and windows, this includes basement and side doors, and if you are living on campus your dormitory door. Remove all valuable items such as laptops, iPads, game systems, etc. from view and close all shades and/or blinds so these items are not visible to those who may look into your windows. In addition to securing your apartments, ask nearby neighbors to watch the area around your house and/or dwellings. If they're able to grab your mail while you are away this can serve as an excellent deterrent to thieves looking for signs that residents are not home. Also, please be mindful of the other items of value in your home, specifically jewelry or large amounts of currency, since these are often attractive targets. Take them with you if at all possible. Lastly, adding timing devices to lighting indoors and motion censored lighting on porches, the rear of your home, and in alleyways can be helpful so your unit or apartment is not a target at night. Simple suggestions as mentioned above, along with taking a few extra minutes before you leave your apartments, can help prevent you from becoming victimized while enjoying your much deserved time off from your studies.

Additionally, the St. Patrick's Day parade in South Boston will take place on Sunday, March 19th. As has been our practice we like to remind students about expected behavior and we ask that you take an active role in celebrating responsibly. This means that there will be a zero tolerance policy for disruptive behavior as well as public drinking, underage drinking and intoxication. A reminder that your behavior at public events of this type will be closely monitored and there will be consequences, both from the BPD and your respective schools. College students comprise a large part of the city's population and your safety is a priority. Boston is a great city and a safe one. 

Enjoy your spring break!

William B. Evans
Police Commissioner
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