TUPD reports crime declines across Tulane campuses

The Tulane University Police Department (TUPD) has announced a dramatic drop in crime over the last year on its campuses. The latest data reveals a 32% overall decrease in total crimes from 2023 to 2024, marking a notable 42% drop since 2019. 

“This substantial reduction underscores the effectiveness of Tulane’s proactive safety initiatives and community partnerships, reinforcing the university’s commitment to providing a secure environment for students, faculty and staff,” said Associate Vice President of the Office of Public Safety Kirk Bouyelas. 

Bouyelas shared additional improvements:
 
    •    Property crime: Lowered 50% in just one year and 57% since 2019, with thefts — historically the most frequently reported crime — declining by 50% from 2023 to 2024 and by 62% over the past five years.
    •    Narcotics-related offenses: A significant 60% decline in the past year, contributing to an 84% decrease since 2019, reflecting TUPD’s focus on safety and education over enforcement.
    •    Vandalism: Reduced by 61% in 2024 and down 52% from 2019, signaling a decline in campus property damage incidents.
    •    Society crimes: Including offenses such as drug violations and disorderly conduct, these crimes dropped 49% year-over-year and 69% since 2019, indicating a long-term trend of improved lawful behavior.

Campus-specific data:

    •    Uptown campus: Experienced a 19% reduction in overall crime in 2024. Since 2019, crime on the uptown campus has been cut in half, with unattended property thefts — the most reported crime — dropping by 42% this year.
    •    Downtown campus: Experienced a 45% reduction in overall crime in 2024. Property crimes were the most significantly impacted, with thefts down 58% and vandalism down 63%. Crimes against persons, including intimidation, assault and robbery, also fell by 29%. The crime statistics for The National Primate Research Center are incorporated into the downtown crime data.

In 2024, TUPD officers responded to 8,171 calls for service in their patrol perimeter — calls that would typically fall under the jurisdiction of the New Orleans Police Department. The expanded police presence has played a vital role in the continued decline of crime on and around Tulane’s campuses, Bouyelas said.

Tulane continues to expand its security initiatives. The Splash Card ID access system is being extended across all campuses, ensuring a secure physical environment and aligning security measures on the uptown, downtown and National Primate Research Center campuses. 

In addition to increased TUPD patrols, Tulane has upgraded video surveillance, improved campus and street lighting, and enhanced safety services such as virtual and personal police escorts and shuttle services. These measures are complemented by ongoing security assessments in collaboration with national experts.

“The statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of TUPD’s data-driven strategies, enhanced campus surveillance and the continued collaboration with the Tulane community in fostering a safer environment,” Bouyelas said.

TUPD officers are available 24/7 to assist with any safety concerns or emergencies by calling 504-865-5381. Students, faculty and staff are also encouraged to download the free Everbridge mobile app to receive emergency push alerts. When logging on, please use your Tulane login information. To download the Everbridge app, iPhone users click here. Android users click here. For non-emergency inquiries or additional information, visit the TUPD website. 

“As crime continues to decline, the university remains dedicated to maintaining and enhancing security measures to ensure Tulane stays a safe and welcoming space for all,” Bouyelas said.