Boston University was recently ranked as the No. 1 safest college campus after dark in a new study, according to NBC Boston.

The study, published by home investor group PPS Homebuyers, considered data on factors such as crime, walkability, lighting and late-night resources for 100 colleges and universities across the country. 

BU received a safety score of 73 out of 100, the highest among the schools analyzed. 

BU Police Department Lieutenant Daniel Healy cited the “dedicated police department,” the trust built between officers and the community and the BU alert system for BUPD’s success in keeping the campus safe. 

“We’re always trying to put our best foot forward for this community,” he said.  

The study found that BU has nearly half the national average for campus crime rates, and its local crime rate is about 30% lower than other college towns. The study also scored BU’s campus an 83 out of 100 for walkability.

BUPD was “glad to hear” its work to make campus safe was being recognized, Healy said. 

“There’s a whole department of men and women that are committed to providing a high level of services for Boston University,” he said. “We have over 50 sworn officers that are ready to respond if someone’s in need.” 

BU Spokesperson Colin Riley said safety on campus is a priority to BU administration. 

“We’re very pleased to see that our work is recognized … because safety and security is the most important thing of our community,” Riley said. 

Riley attributed campus safety to BUPD and the University’s Safety, Security and Preparedness team. 

“It isn’t just protecting, but it’s also planning for how to respond or be prepared for any emergency situation, whether it’s weather or an accident or any other calamity that typically happens in an urban area,” Riley said. 

Healy said BUPD is committed to building trust with the BU community to ensure students can rely on the department for on-campus safety.  

BUPD ensures this by having a Public Safety Office, stationing officers in dorms, and “making sure people are comfortable to call,” Healy said. 

“That’s how you continue to do a good job in this area,” he said. “If you don’t have trust with your community, you’re in trouble in this business.”

Sophomore Amelia Giese said last year, she would finish water polo practices around 10 p.m. at the BU Fitness and Recreation Center and walk home 25 minutes to her dorm on East Campus.  

“I’ve always felt very safe walking around on campus at night, which is pretty surprising because I am a young woman,” Giese said. 

Giese said she was not surprised by the study’s results and is grateful for the University’s safety efforts.

“I know we have a very strong police presence from the BUPD, which I really appreciate,” she said. 

Giese said having visible emergency resources nearby, specifically the emergency call boxes, helps her feel secure on campus. 

Junior Lina Santos said she feels “very satisfied with safety” on campus because of the campus environment and location within Boston.

“Around Commonwealth [Avenue] … there’s a lot of dorms, a lot of students around,” she said. “So, this environment, which is somewhat isolated from the rest of the city, makes the institution safer.” 

A key takeaway from the survey’s results is that BU community members play a role in maintaining campus safety, Riley said.

“When you see something is … wrong or potentially dangerous, you react to it,” he said. “We suggest the best reaction is to report it to somebody.” 

Healy agreed that personal responsibility is important, noting the most common crime on campus is theft. He said students must pay attention and take “care of [their] personal property.”

Healy said he recommends students walk in groups, stay in well-lit areas and avoid using earphones at night to improve “situational awareness.” 

“It’s so important for people to take some of that personal responsibility and try to help each other,” he added.