Crookston: Public Safety

University Public Safety Officers are not licensed or sworn peace officers and do not have arrest powers. Officers are authorized to make a citizen’s arrest when appropriate.

University Public Safety is responsible for providing security and safety services to the University of Minnesota Crookston campus. Security officers provide services in directed, proactive patrol, crime prevention and investigation, law enforcement, and emergency response. University Public Safety patrols the Crookston campus by squad car and foot.

University Public Safety works closely with the Crookston Police Department and other applicable local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in providing security and law enforcement services to the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) campus.

UMC has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Crookston Police Department for the investigation of crimes of sexual violence.

University Public Safety works cooperatively with the Crookston Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies to share information about criminal activity that occurs off-campus but may affect members of the UMC community. This information includes that pertaining to officially recognized UMC student organizations that have non-campus residential sites unaffiliated with UMC Residential Life. Students accused of criminal misconduct may additionally be subject to the University student conduct process. This process neither substitutes nor interferes with the outside legal processes. The Student Code of Conduct outlines the jurisdiction the University has to apply disciplinary action in these cases.

The Clery Act requires timely warning notification to the campus community when a reported Clery crime, occurring on University of Minnesota Crookston Clery geography, poses a serious or ongoing threat to public safety.

SAFE-U Advisory Notifications are designed to give the University community information which may aid in the prevention of similar crimes.

When Public Safety is informed of a Clery crime, information about the crime will be sent to the Chancellor or Officer of the Day. The Chancellor or Officer of the Day will evaluate reported Clery crimes on a case-by-case basis to determine if the reported crime poses a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. When the Chancellor or Officer of the Day determines that a SAFE-U Advisory is warranted, the Communications Specialist will compose and distribute the message.

SAFE-U Advisory Notifications will be electronically distributed to all students, staff and faculty at the Crookston campus via the University of Minnesota email system.

SAFE-U Advisory Notifications may include the following details (if available):

• Date and time of the incident
• Location
• Type of crime
• Description of the incident
• Apparent connection to previous incidents, if applicable
• Pertinent crime prevention tips

Personally Identifying Information of victims and reporting parties will not be disclosed in a SAFE-U Notification. In instances where personal information is relevant to the crime– for example, in crimes which are motivated by bias the victim’s inclusion in a protected class may be released if this information is not determined to be explicitly personally identifiable.

While there is no specific agreement between University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) and local law enforcement agencies, UMC has a close relationship with local law enforcement agencies who routinely inform UMC if a reported crime may warrant a timely warning notification.

If a reported crime constitutes a significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on campus that involves an immediate threat to the health or safety of the campus community, UMPD will follow procedures for issuing a SAFE- U Emergency Notification. More information about SAFE-U Emergency Notifications can be found under the Emergency Response and SAFE-U Emergencies section.

Emergency response operations include coordination of campus and community resources to save lives, protect property, and provide for the continuity of University operations.

The University uses the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as its standard for responding to incidents. University Public Safety officers and supervisors and University administrators who have responsibility during an incident have been trained in NIMS.

When an incident occurs that causes an immediate threat to the campus, the first responders to the scene are usually from University Public Safety. Depending on the incident, other University departments and/or other local or federal agencies may be involved in responding.

While there is no specific agreement between University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) and local law enforcement agencies, UMC has a close relationship with local law enforcement agencies who routinely inform UMC if there has been an incident which may require an emergency response.

Prior to issuing an emergency notification, the Chancellor or Officer of the Day will confirm the existence of an emergency or dangerous situation via University Public Safety, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Director of Facilities or emergency professionals on the scene, video monitoring, or notification from the National Weather Service. Information obtained from these sources is used to determine the scope and content of the notification.

Upon confirmation of an emergency or dangerous situation the Chancellor of Officer of the Day will, without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of the notification and initiate the appropriate notification system(s).

Notification may be delayed if issuing a notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

The primary method of emergency notification is the SAFE-U system. When SAFE-U Emergency notification is activated, it will deliver emergency messaging to all students and employees. The activation of other emergency notification systems such as CWEAS and Tone Alert Radios, which can be activated by the Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (PSECC), may be activated to supplement notifications delivered via SAFE-U.

SAFE- U Emergency notifications will consist of basic information about the type of emergency or dangerous situation and information on how to avoid danger. Updated information will be disseminated as it becomes available and as time allows or when the immediate threat has been mitigated.

While there is no specific agreement between UMC and local law enforcement agencies, UMC has a close relationship with local law enforcement agencies who routinely inform UMC if there is a situation which may require an emergency response.

Dissemination of emergency information to the larger community (i.e., parents and residents from surrounding neighborhoods) will take place as time allows. Depending on the nature of the incident, the University could utilize such avenues as the University internet homepage or the media. The first concern of the University will be to disseminate information to those people directly affected by the emergency.

The University of Minnesota Crookston does not segment SAFE-U Emergency notifications. All current students, staff and faculty will receive a notification.

The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) has several methods for communicating important safety information quickly in the event of a significant emergency or dangerous situation that poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of the campus community. The situation will dictate which notification methods are used, in some situations multiple notification systems will be used.

SAFE-U Emergency Notification

SAFE-U Emergency is the University’s emergency mass notification system. SAFE-U Emergency is used specifically to notify University students and employees of emergencies or dangerous situations which are likely to impact campus as a whole or impact University operations. SAFE-U enables the University to quickly send communications via email, text message, and/or phone messages. Students, faculty, and staff who have provided contact information are automatically registered to receive SAFE-U Emergency communications. Only University of Minnesota students, faculty, staff and those with a legitimate need are registered for SAFE-U Emergency Notifications.

Campus Email

In an emergency situation, campus email may be utilized to communicate important safety information.

Text Messages

University students, staff and faculty can update their profile to include a phone number for SAFE-U text messages. 

Campus-Wide Emergency Alert System (CWEAS)

CWEAS is the University of Minnesota’s outdoor emergency notification system. CWEAS is not a tornado siren; it is an outdoor warning system that can convey both an alert tone and voice messages. If you hear the outdoor warning system, it means go inside and seek more information.

Tone Alert Radio

The University uses Tone Alert Radios strategically placed throughout campus to add another layer of alert coverage The University of Minnesota Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (PSECC) will activate the radios when there is urgent information that needs to be transmitted (e.g., severe weather, building evacuation). Tone Alert Radios also provide emergency notification that can be received in areas that are out of cellular service.

Social Media

Emergency information may also be communicated on University social media feeds.

Digital Signs

UMC has installed LCD monitors throughout high traffic areas within buildings and dining services to help communicate campus programs and activities. This system will also be utilized to pass along details of any current health or safety/emergency issues.

Web Announcements

Weather-related closings and other emergency information may be announced on the University of Minnesota Crookston website.

On-Scene Emergency Personnel

On-scene emergency personnel may be able to provide valuable emergency communication depending upon the emergency situation.

Each building on campus has a Building Emergency Plan. The plan outlines evacuation procedures, assigns specific tasks to building personnel to facilitate building evacuation, designates areas of refuge for those who are unable to safely navigate stairways and assigns a building evacuation assembly point. 

Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) outline the steps critical operating units must take to keep their department running in the event of an emergency. Departments that are deemed "critical operating units" must complete a Continuity of Operations Plan, per the University's Policy.

The campus Emergency Operations Plan is the overall plan that guides University administrators in the event of an emergency. The University is required by the state Homeland Security and Emergency Management agency to have an Emergency Operations Plan.

At the sound of the emergency alarm, it is the responsibility of all building occupants to evacuate immediately and proceed to predetermined assembly points, away from the building.

Building occupants are also responsible for ensuring that their visitors, customers, and contractors in their department follow the evacuation procedure described herein and leave the building along with all other occupants.

Faculty and instructors are responsible for dismissing their classes and directing students to leave the building by the nearest building exit upon hearing the building alarm or being notified of an emergency.

Designated essential personnel needed to continue or shut down critical operations, while an evacuation is underway, are responsible for recognizing and/or determining when to abandon the operation and evacuate themselves.

Whenever you hear the building alarm or are informed of a building emergency:

• Do not panic
• Do not ignore the alarm
• Leave the building immediately, in an orderly fashion
• Do not use elevators
• Classes and meetings in session must be dismissed and students directed to leave
• Follow quickest evacuation route from where you are (see posted floor evacuation diagram/map)
• Do not go back to your office area for any reason
• Proceed to the designated emergency assembly point for your area
• If the designated assembly point/area is unsafe or blocked due to the emergency, proceed to the alternate assembly point.
• Report to your Building/Work Area Rep at the assembly point to be checked off as having evacuated safely
• Report any knowledge you may have of missing persons or those located in an Area of Refuge
• Return to the building only after emergency officials or building coordinator give the all-clear signal
• Silencing the Alarm does not mean the emergency is over

In the event of the release of hazardous chemical substances which threaten human health, and the immediate lab needs to evacuate, but other building occupants are safe, please follow the steps below:

• Notify other lab occupants in immediate area
• Everyone who can safely leave, should leave lab away from spill
• While exiting, close double doors leading into other labs
• A lab occupant leaving the lab should immediately call 911 (or head to area of refuge button (near freight elevator on each floor) if applicable
• Notify operator of spill and location
• Operator can remotely activate fire alarm (for some buildings) and send emergency personnel
• Evacuate building according to general evacuation procedures

In the event of a loss of power, water leak or flood, elevator failure or other building emergency:

• Call Facilities and Operations at 218-281-8483 to notify them of the emergency. Call 911 for emergencies with injuries.
• Notify staff that are located near the emergency so they may take appropriate precautions.
• Follow evacuation instructions, if evacuation is necessary.

In the event of notification of severe weather, safely discontinue work and go to the nearest designated safe shelter location.

Run

• Have an escape route and plan in mind
• Leave your belongings behind
• Keep your hands visible
• Run to a place of refuge, well beyond the norm

Hide

• If running is not possible, hide
• Lock and barricade doors; shut off lights
• Remain silent, yet vigilant
• Avoid huddling together

Fight

• Fighting is a last resort, use only when your life is in imminent danger
• Use improvised weapons
• Attempt to incapacitate the active threat
• There is strength in numbers; work together against the active threat

Call 9-1-1

• Call ONLY if safe and with information about the active threat
• Clarify you are on the University of Minnesota campus and where you are
• Give the location of the active threat(s)
• Provide physical description of active threat(s)
• Describe type of weapons held by the active threat(s)
• Notify the dispatcher of victims and their location

How to React When Law Enforcement Arrives

• Remain calm
• Follow officers’ instructions
• Keep your hands up and out in front of you, assuring your hands are empty
• Keep hands visible at all times
• Avoid making quick movements towards officers such as attempting to hold on to them for safety
• Avoid pointing, screaming and/or yelling
• Move quickly towards the nearest exit or where directed to by police
• Do not stop to ask officers for help or directions when evacuating

Once in a Safe Place

Once you are in a safe place, DO NOT LEAVE. Emergency responders need to account for everyone. As the event unfolds and is better understood, law enforcement will provide additional instructions as to where you should be or when you will be able to leave. Please be patient. Your safety is our most important concern.

There are three distinct levels of access to buildings, public hours, university hours and restricted hours. Building hours vary according to building use.

Public Hours

During Public Hours, buildings will remain open to everyone in the University community and to the general public. Public Hours will generally coincide with the standard business day of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For classroom buildings, Public Hours will generally be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate evening classes. Libraries, museums, galleries, and the like will have public hours that match their business hours.

University Hours

University Hours are the hours just before and just after Public Hours in the morning and the evenings. As an example, University Hours in a classroom building would typically be 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. During University Hours, a U Card will be required to enter the building.

Restricted Hours

During Restricted Hours, buildings are closed to the general public and to the general University community. Only people who have been previously granted permission to enter the building are allowed to do so. Typically, the people granted access during Restricted Hours are the people who would logically have permission to enter a building when it is locked, for example, faculty who teach or staff who work in a specific building. Again using a classroom building as an example, the Restricted Hours would be between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The University controls and monitors access to its space by using traditional key systems, electronic card reader systems, and intrusion alarm systems. Exterior doors of newer University buildings are equipped with electronic card access control systems. Many older buildings are being retrofitted with such systems.

Campuses, departments and units are required to manage all keys and access control devices held by their employees. Each campus, department or unit has a Department Facilities Representative to enforce this policy at the local level.

Individuals are prohibited from unauthorized possession, use, duplication and changes to keys or access control devices. Individuals are also prohibited from bracing open doors equipped with access control devices. Violators of this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions for the University or criminal charges where appropriate.

Students, faculty and staff are required to carry their University issued UCard when in University buildings outside of public hours. The UCard must be presented upon request by law enforcement or security personnel, or by a University employee acting within the purview of their job responsibilities. Anyone in a University building that is unable to present their UCard outside of public hours may be asked to leave. Additional restrictions may apply to areas deemed to have a higher security standard.

The University of Minnesota Crookston has two traditional halls, two apartment facilities and one suite-style living facility.

During the academic year Skyberg, Evergreen and Heritage lobby doors are open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. Lobby doors in these buildings are locked on the weekend beginning at 8 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Monday.

Centennial Hall (Main office of Residential Life) lobby doors are open 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Monday-Friday and are open 2 p.m.-11:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m.-10 p.m. on Sunday.

All residence halls are fob/card access. Guests and visitors may access residence hall living areas only when escorted by a resident of that hall.

The information desk in Centennial Hall is staffed 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday by student employees during the academic year. In addition, there are security cameras in the lobbies and residential access points as well in other remote areas of the buildings.

During the academic year, each hall has a community advisor on duty each night. Security guards are on site and do rounds of the building between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. Security guards, and on-duty community advisors work together to ensure that safety and security needs are met during the evening and night hours.

Public Safety routinely inspects exterior lighting, campus telephones, and building security hardware including doors, locking mechanisms, and electronic security devices to ensure they are functioning properly. Anyone who is aware of a building or facility issue should contact facilities & operations immediately to ensure that the issue is addressed promptly.

To report a building or facility issue contact:

Facilities & Operations
2 Kiser Building
Crookston, MN 56716
218-281-8483

Call this number to request assistance with:

• facility-related emergencies
• lighting issues
• maintenance work
• repairs
• custodial
• snow removal
• landscaping
• pest control
• temperature issues