In response to the recent spate of violent crimes in the Harvard community, the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) has been distributing shrill alarms as a safety measure, University officials said.

The project, which is co-sponsored by the Undergraduate Council's ad hoc Committee on Security, began selling the hand-held sirens for $6 each on April 19, according to council Chair Robert C. Rhew '92. Committee members include Jonathan K. Hsu '94, David G. Lefer '93, David A. Aronberg '93 and Associate Dean of Students Ellen Hatfield Towne.

'Especially Receptive'

Rhew said that Towne has been "especially receptive" to the council's concerns. "The idea of the shrill whistles will be tried for a year," he said.

"I am comforted that we have a working committee and that action has been taken." Rhew said. "HUPD has been very helpful."

Deputy Chief of Police Jack Morse said that the alarms were being sold as the result of a recommendation by Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III that whistles and shrill alarms should be provided to the Harvard community.

According to Towne, a few dozen alarms have been sold so far. "Students feel better because they feel more protected," she said.

The Peterzell company, from which Harvard purchased the alarms, is selling them at less than the retail cost, Towne said. Harvard is selling the alarms at cost, Rhew said.