How to Contact MIT Police or Report a Crime, Accident, or Incident

Updated

For an emergency, call MIT Police at (617) 253-1212, available 24/7, or dial 100 from any MIT phone. For non-emergencies, use the "Report a Crime" option on police.mit.edu to reach the right form for a crime, accident, or incident. The site also provides separate channels for anonymous reports, sexual assault reports, feedback, and complaints.

Emergency: Call First

The MIT Police homepage lists "Emergency 24/7" with two contact methods:

Method Number When to use
Any phone (617) 253-1212 Emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round
Any MIT phone 100 Same emergency line, faster dialing from campus

The department describes its mission as providing a safe academic environment and emergency medical service around the clock. If the situation is urgent, call rather than submitting a form.

Reporting a Crime, Accident, or Incident

The homepage's "Report a Crime" section is the entry point for non-emergency reports. It covers three categories: crime, accident, or incident. From there, the site routes you to the appropriate online tool or form.

Specialized reporting forms

The site lists distinct forms for situations that need a different path:

  • Anonymous reporting — for tips or information you want to share without identifying yourself.
  • Sexual Assault Form — a dedicated form listed alongside the anonymous option.
  • Clery Report for CSAs — for Campus Security Authorities with reporting obligations under the Clery Act.

Choose the form that matches your situation. If you are unsure, call the 24/7 line and ask which channel fits.

Feedback and Complaints

The department separates positive feedback from formal complaints:

  • Positive Feedback — recognize an officer or staff interaction.
  • Complaint Form — file a complaint about department conduct.
  • Feedback — general input on department services.

These are not emergency channels. Use the phone line for anything time-sensitive.

Other Resources on the Site

The homepage also links to services that support reporting and safety:

  • Lost and Found, Laptop Registration, and Bike Safety & Security / Registration (note: MIT policy prohibits skateboards, bicycles, roller skates, scooters, and similar wheeled transport inside Institute buildings, except medical mobile equipment).
  • SafeRide Shuttle and Event Police Detail for scheduled safety support.
  • Police Logs, Timely Warnings, and the Annual Security Report — the 2026 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is published on the site.
  • MIT Alert sign-up for campus emergency notifications.

Location and Careers

The MIT Police Department has moved to 565–570 Memorial Drive, Building W91, Cambridge, MA 02139. The department also lists open dispatcher positions on the site.

Quick Decision Guide

Your situation Where to go
Immediate danger or medical emergency Call (617) 253-1212 or 100 from an MIT phone
Crime, accident, or incident (non-urgent) "Report a Crime" on police.mit.edu
Want to stay anonymous Anonymous reporting form
Sexual assault Sexual Assault Form
Praise or complaint about police conduct Positive Feedback or Complaint Form
Lost property, bike registration, shuttle Corresponding resource link on the homepage

When in doubt, the 24/7 line is the safest first step — dispatch can direct you to the correct form or unit.