Duluth: Crime Statistics and Prevention

This table includes Clery Act crimes reported by hierarchy, meaning that each incident is counted only once even if multiple crimes occurred. For example, if an aggravated assault and murder occurred in the same incident, only the murder would be reflected in these statistics. However, sex offenses are always counted — so if a rape and murder occurred in the same incident, both crimes would be reflected in these statistics.

Additionally, the on-campus student housing category is a subset of the on-campus property category. The on-campus property category lists crimes that occurred on any campus property, including housing. The housing category reflects only those crimes which occurred in student housing.

The tables below do not reflect unknown location crimes reported to the university.

Arson is not part of the hierarchy. Arson is always counted regardless of the nature of any other offenses that were committed during the same incident.

The following information includes Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offenses; arrests and student disciplinary referrals for liquor, drug, and weapon-related violations; hate crimes; and unfounded reports of crime that are not included in the hierarchy.

Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older on August 1, 2023.

Bias Crimes

2024

There were no reported Hate Crimes occurring within Clery Geography.

2023

There were no reported Hate Crimes occurring within Clery Geography.

2022

There were no reported Hate Crimes occurring within Clery Geography.

Unfounded Crimes

A reported crime is only considered unfounded if sworn or commissioned law enforcement personnel investigate the reported crime and make a formal determination that the crime did not occur.

2024

There were no unfounded crimes.

2023

There were no unfounded crimes.

2022

There were no unfounded crimes.

The following definitions of criminal offenses detail the elements of each crime. Crimes in the annual statistical disclosure found in this report are categorized according to the following definitions.

Aggravated Assault

The unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.

Arson

Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling, house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.

Burglary

The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes, this definition includes unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

Motor Vehicle Theft

The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Classify as motor vehicle theft all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned— including joyriding.)

Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter

The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.

Manslaughter by Negligence

The killing of another person through gross negligence.

Robbery

The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or putting the victim in fear.

Rape

The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus, with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.

Fondling

The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.

Incest

Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.

Statutory Rape

Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

Hate Crime

A criminal offense that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator’s bias against the victim. Under the Clery Act the following bias categories are used: Race, Religion, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Gender Identity, Ethnicity, National Origin, Disability.

Any criminal offense which also meets the definition of a hate crime will be included in the statistical disclosure in both the criminal offense category and in the hate crime category (i.e. an on-campus aggravated assault motivated by religious bias will be counted in the on-campus aggravated assault category and in the on-campus aggravated assault motivated by religious bias category).

Additional Hate Crime categories: In addition to the criminal offenses listed under the “Criminal Offenses” section, the following crimes are included if it is determined that the crime was motivated by bias.

Larceny-Theft

The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. (Note: constructive possession is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary, sixth ed. as “where one does not have physical custody or possession but is in a position to exercise dominion or control over a thing.”)

Simple Assault

An unlawful physical attack by one person upon another where neither the offender displays a weapon, nor the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness.

Intimidation

To unlawfully place another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to an actual physical attack.

Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property (Except Arson)

To willfully or maliciously destroy, damage, deface, or otherwise injure real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it.

Dating Violence

Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

For the purposes of this definition—

• Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.
• Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence

A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed—

• By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;
• By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;
• By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
• By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred;
• By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.

Stalking

Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to—

• Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others;
• or suffer substantial emotional distress.

For the purposes of this definition—

• Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
• A reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.
• Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

Are reported crimes which are thoroughly investigated by sworn or commissioned law enforcement personnel; and found through investigation to be false or baseless, meaning that the crime did not occur and was never attempted.

Weapons Law Violations

The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons.

Drug Law Violations

The Violation of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substances and equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and or use. The unlawful cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, use, possession, transportation, or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic substance.

Arrests for violations of state and local laws, specifically those relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs.

Liquor Law Violations

The violation of state or local laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, not including driving under the influence and drunkenness.

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons), against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such person or persons to participate, that—

• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
• Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including—
  • whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • causing, coercing or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • causing coercing or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • causing, coercing or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law; and
    any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involved a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law.

Definition of student organization:

"[A]n organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution."

University Policy and Response

Hazing allegations are addressed through procedures outlined in the Administrative Policy: Resolving Alleged Student Conduct Code Violations. These procedures apply to both individuals and student groups and are designed to ensure fairness, accountability, and education in the student conduct process.

For more information on student conduct expectations, visit the Student Conduct Code.

Hazing Policy for Minnesota Postsecondary Institutions

The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code and the Administrative Policy: Resolving Alleged Student Conduct Code Violations meet the expectations outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 135A.155 – Hazing Policy for Postsecondary Institutions. These policies provide a clear definition of hazing, outline procedures for reporting and responding to incidents, and establish disciplinary processes for both individuals and student organizations. They are publicly accessible through university websites and shared with students through appropriate communication channels.

Anyone who becomes aware of prohibited hazing conduct is encouraged to immediately report the incident. If you see or hear something that might be hazing, ask questions, find out what’s going on, and speak up. It’s always okay to check in or pass it along to someone who can help. 

How to Report:

Police

Any incident involving a crime, an emergency, or imminent threat to the health or safety of any person should be reported immediately to the police.

University of Minnesota Duluth Police Department (UMDPD)

Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 218-625-3581
[email protected]

Office of Student Conduct & Conflict

218-726-7255
[email protected]

Submit a UMD Hazing Report Form

Hazing Report Form

Anonymous Reporting (UReport)

UReports are received by the University’s Office of Institutional Compliance and are routinely referred to the Student Affairs for review and follow-up.

Criminal Investigations

UMDPD investigates all reports of crime that occur on property owned or controlled by the University. UMPD will investigate reports of criminal conduct in accordance with UMDPD policies.

Student and Student Organizations Conduct Investigations:

Upon receipt of a report, the Office of Student Affairs will work with campus partners to adjudicate the complaint in accordance with the applicable disciplinary procedures for student organizations and students, including the Student Conduct Code and the Administrative Policy: Resolving Alleged Student Conduct Code Violations.

The University of Minnesota Duluth provides a campus-wide prevention and awareness program, AliveTek Hazing 101, related to hazing, which is available to all students and employees. The University encourages all students and employees to participate in hazing prevention education.

During orientation in August, students are informed of services offered by the UMD Police Department. The presentations outline ways to maintain personal safety and residence hall security. Students are told about crime on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. Similar information is available to new employees.

UMD Police Department personnel, often in conjunction with other UMD departments, facilitate programs for students, families, faculty, staff, resident advisors and directors, student organizations, and community organizations multiple times each semester. They provide a variety of educational strategies and tips on crime prevention and personal safety. Topics such as self-defense, alcohol and drug awareness, school and workplace violence, sexual assault, relationship/dating violence, stalking, security of residence and personal property, and internet safety may be covered.

University Housing staff receive training on security measures and emergency/crisis management. Residence hall staff members inform residents of safety and security information via handbooks, floor meetings, and programming in the halls.

Alcohol is a depressant that slows down a person’s central nervous system, including breathing and heart rates. Short-term risks of alcohol use include: impaired judgment, poor motor coordination, emotional instability, and increased aggression. Long-term risks include: irreversible damage to brain, liver, pancreas, kidneys; memory problems and nutritional deficiencies; and high risk of fetal damage if used during pregnancy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alcohol fact sheets

Marijuana is an illegal drug that can cause changes in the way people think and feel. Marijuana use can make it harder for students and employees to function in school and work-related activities. It slows reflexes and impairs visual perceptions.

National Institute on Drug Abuse marijuana information

Cocaine is an illegal drug that is a strong central nervous system stimulant. It is a powerfully addictive drug.

National Institute on Drug Abuse health effects of commonly abused drugs

Club drugs, such as MDMA (Ecstasy), Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine sometimes are used in a nightclub, bar, or rave drug scene. They have varying effects and can cause changes to critical parts of the brain.

National Institute on Drug Abuse club drugs information

Students who violate the prohibitions of the Drug Free policy are subject to progressive disciplinary procedures as described in the Student Conduct Code: warning; probation; required compliance; confiscation of goods; restitution; restriction of privileges; University housing suspension or expulsion; suspension or expulsion; withholding of diploma or degree; and revocation of admission or degree.

Employees who violate the prohibitions of the Drug Free policy are subject to discipline ranging from an oral warning, written warning, or unpaid suspension up to termination consistent with policies, rules, and contracts governing the terms and conditions of their employment. Supervisors also may require an employee to provide documentation of satisfactory participation in an alcohol or drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Employees who are convicted of any criminal drug statute violation in the workplace must report it to a supervisor within five days of the conviction. Supervisors, department heads, and principal investigators who are aware of any drug crime convictions of individuals (students or employees) who work on sponsored projects for violations that occurred in the workplace must report them to the Office of the Associate Vice President for Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) within three calendar days of their notice of the conviction.

In addition to disciplinary sanctions by the University, students and employees who violate the administrative policy: Drug Free University may be subject to criminal prosecution under federal, state, and local laws that specify imprisonment, fines, and loss of federal benefits for conviction of alcohol and drug-related offenses. To ensure students and employees are aware of these legal sanctions, this appendix briefly describes some relevant laws with sanctions and provides links to more information.

Federal Laws and Sanctions

Controlled substance convictions under federal laws carry penalties ranging from up to one year imprisonment and a minimum fine of $1,000 for simple possession to up to life imprisonment and a minimum fine of $2,000,000 for an individual engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. Federal controlled substance convictions also can lead to forfeiture of both real and personal property; the denial of federal benefits, such as grants and student loans; and the denial of federally provided or supported professional and commercial licensures. The seriousness of the offense and the penalty imposed generally depends on the type and amount of the drugs involved.

Provisions of the federal Controlled Substances Act

Federal drug trafficking penalties

Minnesota Laws and Sanctions

Controlled substance convictions under Minnesota laws carry penalties including a prison sentence for not more than 30 years and a maximum fine of $1,000,000 for sales and possession crimes. Subsequent controlled substance convictions result in commitment to the commissioner of corrections for four to 40 years and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.

Minnesota controlled substances laws and sanctions

The misuse of alcohol also can result in criminal penalties under Minnesota laws. Anyone under 21 years of age is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a minimum fine of $100 if convicted of purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol or misrepresentation of age in order to purchase alcohol. Anyone who provides alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age also is subject to criminal sanctions.

Minnesota law – underage alcohol offenses

Minnesota law – violations and penalties related to liquor laws

In addition, Minnesota state law imposes stiff penalties on individuals who are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a hazardous substance. For example, a felony conviction of first- degree driving while impaired carries penalties of imprisonment for not more than seven years and a minimum fine of $14,000. Administrative penalties for driving under the influence convictions include driver’s license suspension, revocation, cancellation, denial, or disqualification.

Minnesota law – driving while impaired, including underage drinking and driving

Medical Amnesty to ensure that minors at medical risk as a result of alcohol intoxication receive prompt and appropriate medical attention, Minnesota law provides immunity from prosecution for minors under certain circumstances. Refer to Minnesota Statutes 340A.503 subd. 8 for further details.

The University of Minnesota maintains the discretion to refer these individual(s) for appropriate educational intervention(s).

The University demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment by offering a variety of drug and alcohol abuse prevention and education services for students and employees, including confidential diagnosis and assessment, short-term counseling, referral, and support groups.

All incoming University of Minnesota students must complete the online training course, Decisions: Alcohol & Drug Awareness.

The training course is designed to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol and other drugs by providing information for decision making, resources related to alcohol and drugs, relevant policies and laws, and skills for supporting others.

Supervisors who are concerned that employees may have alcohol or drug-related problems should consult with the Employee Assistance Programs. Disciplinary sanctions will not be taken against students for seeking assistance from student health services or against employees for seeking assistance from the Employee Assistance Programs.

Alcohol and Drug Misuse

The University Mental Health website has information on the risks of using and alcohol and drugs and offers a free, confidential, on-line assessment for students to evaluate their alcohol use.

UMD Health Services

Alcohol & Drug Counseling

Currently enrolled students are eligible for full services offered through UMD Health Services, including one on one alcohol and drug counseling. To get more information or schedule an appointment call UMD Health Services at 218-726-8155 or stop by the clinic located at 615 Niagara Court.

Recovery & Support Programs

Sober Champs

Meetings are held weekly on campus during the academic year. Contact Health Services at 218-726-8155 for more information or the Kirby Info Desk at 218-726-7163 for meeting times and locations.

Peer Health Educators

The Peer Health Educators is a student organization composed of two main groups working to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Members meet weekly for one hour to discuss current issues, to meet with guest speakers, and to plan presentations and events accordingly. Peer Health educators are also given the opportunity to volunteer additional time on special projects throughout the year.

Alcohol Peer Educators

Alcohol Peer Educators is geared towards educating their peers on alcohol harm reduction. The alcohol peer educators cover these topics:

• Recognizing and responding to the Signs of Alcohol Overdose
• Risk Reduction (i.e. metabolism, serving size)
• Predatory drugs
• Biphasic response
• Phases of drinking
• Bystander intervention
• Medical Amnesty
• Physiology
• Blackouts
• Impact on academics and sleep

If you are interested in having the Peer Health Educators in your classroom or housing unit, please contact Lauretta Perry.