Police and Public Safety Department

The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Department of Police and Public Safety’s mission is to preserve public peace and order, and to protect life and property. We are guided by a sense of fairness, common sense and the correct rules of law.  Always mindful of our residents and their needs, the department’s success is built upon a community service philosophy that provides effective, efficient and professional police services to the citizens we serve. The department is committed to providing all residents with a safe community and prides itself on equity, police accountability, transparency, trust and partnership. 

BHA police work closely with the Boston Police Department, and manage a 24-hour/7-day call center at Boston Police Headquarters to respond to residents’ needs.  

The Department has two divisions: the Police Division and the Senior Safety Division.

The Public Safety Division is in partnership with the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC). We are a certified agency with MPAC seal. 

Contact Us

• Call 9-1-1 to report any emergency or crime in progress.

• BHA Police Department: Operations Monday - Friday from 8am to 12am  (617) 988-5300.

• BHA Public Safety Dispatcher: (617) 423-9676

• Email the Public Safety Department

• Department of Police and Public Safety Headquarters is located at 40 Bickford Street, Boston MA, 02130. 

• Contact the Chief of Police and Public Safety, Shumeane Benford, with any questions or concerns by email.