Duluth: Public Safety

University police are licensed as peace officers by the State of Minnesota. Minnesota State Statute 629.40 gives peace officers statewide arrest powers while acting in the course and scope of employment.

The UMDPD is also staffed by two full-time Associate Administrators. UMDPD may at time employ up to two Community Service Officers and two student employees, all on part-time basis. These employees do not have arrest powers.

Community Service Officers may aid the public as well as our officers and staff in matters that do not require full police powers. Student employees may assist officers and staff with administrative and clerical tasks.

The University of Minnesota Duluth Police Department is responsible for policing and investigating crimes that occur on property owned, leased, or operated by the University of Minnesota Duluth. UMDPD officers provide services in directed, proactive patrol, crime prevention and investigation, law enforcement, and emergency response.

The UMDPD has mutual aid agreements with the Duluth Police Department, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, the Hermantown Police Department, and most other law enforcement agencies in the Duluth area. When the department receives information about an off-campus crime that requires investigation, it forwards the information to the proper law enforcement agency. UMDPD officers may also assist in off-campus investigations that fall under the primary scope of the agency responsible for law enforcement in that area.

UMDPD may also enlist the aid of other law enforcement agencies in its own investigations. UMDPD does not currently have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in place with any law enforcement agency for the investigation of alleged criminal offenses.

The UMDPD and the UMD Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR) work cooperatively with the Duluth Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies to share information about criminal activity that occurs off-campus that may affect members of the UMD community. This information includes that pertaining to officially recognized UMD student organizations that may have non-campus residential sites unaffiliated with UMD Housing. This shared information enhances the welfare and safety of our campus.

The Clery Act requires timely warning notification to the campus community when a reported Clery crime, occurring on University of Minnesota Duluth Clery geography, poses a serious or ongoing threat to public safety. The University issues SAFE-U Advisory Notifications to comply with the timely warning requirement.

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

When the Chief Law Enforcement Officer or designee determines that a reported crime poses a serious or continuing threat and a SAFE-U Advisory Notification is warranted, UMDPD will work with UMD Marketing and Public Relations to draft the SAFE-U Advisory Notification and forward the draft to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations for distribution approval. Upon approval from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations, UMD Marking and Public Relations will distribute the Timely Warning Notifications to all UMD students, staff, and faculty via UMD email.

Timely Warning Notifications are posted on the UMD Police Department website and archived there for approximately one year.

SAFE-U Advisory Notification 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 timely warning. In instances where the information is relevant to the crime - for example, crimes that 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 UMDPD and local law enforcement agencies, UMDPD has a close relationship with local law enforcement agencies who routinely inform UMDPD if there has been a crime that may warrant a SAFE-U Advisory Notification.

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

The Chancellor, or in the Chancellor’s absence, a Chancellor’s Cabinet member identified as Officer of the Day, has the responsibility and authority to implement UMD’s Emergency Operations Plan, and to provide overall policy direction of UMD resources during an emergency. Emergency operations include coordination of campus and community resources to save lives, protect property, and provide for the continuity of UMD operations. The Chief Law Enforcement Officer (or designee) and the Vice Chancellor for Student Life are lead personnel in campus crisis response. When an emergency occurs that impacts the campus community, these administrators, in consultation with the Chancellor, identify a crisis response team (typically four to six people) to coordinate a campus crisis response. Specific team members will vary to meet the needs of the situation at hand.

The Chancellor/Officer of the Day, in conjunction with emergency response personnel, will direct the need for emergency communications. Except in the event of imminent threat, UMD Marketing and Public Relations and UMD Information Technology Systems and Services (ITSS) will coordinate on the communication approach taken.

Prior to issuing emergency communications, the existence of an emergency or dangerous situation will be confirmed via dispatched officers or other emergency professionals on the scene, video monitoring, or notification from the National Weather Service. Information obtained from these responders will be used to determine the scope and content of the notification.

Upon confirmation of an emergency or dangerous situation, on-scene or on-duty UMDPD officers will notify the Chief Law Enforcement Officer or Designee. The Chief Law Enforcement Officer or designee will then notify the Chancellor or Officer of the Day who will work with UMD University Marketing and Public Relations and UMDPD to determine the content of the notification and initiate the appropriate notification system(s).

In the event of a potential emergency or dangerous situation that poses an imminent threat to the campus community, the Chief Law Enforcement Officer or Designee has the authority to work with UMD University Marketing and Public Relations to determine the content of the notification and initiate the appropriate notification system(s) immediately.

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 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 Emergency.

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.

SAFE-U Emergency Notifications can be authorized by the following individuals: Chancellor or UMD Officer of the Day, Chief Law Enforcement Officer or Designee or UMD University Marketing and Public Relations, and Public Safety Emergency Communication Center.

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

Dissemination of emergency information to the larger community (i.e.: parents/families, the Duluth community, etc.) will take place at the discretion of the Chancellor/Officer of the Day or Emergency Response Team, as appropriate and as time allows. The UMD Police Department will work with these entities to determine which information is appropriate to disseminate, and when it will be disseminated. Depending on the nature of the incident, the University could utilize such avenues as the UMD homepage or local media. The top priority of the University will be to disseminate information to those people directly affected by the emergency.

The University of Minnesota Duluth 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 may be used.

SAFE-U Emergency Notification

SAFE-U is the University’s emergency mass notification system. SAFE-U is used specifically to notify University students and employees of emergencies or dangerous situations and information on how to remain safe. SAFE-U enables the University to 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 communications. Only University of Minnesota students, faculty, staff and those with a legitimate need are registered for SAFE-U.

Campus Email

In an emergency, 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 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.

Fire Panel Annunciation

DEM has worked to install in some buildings an annunciation capability that can be set off by the PSECC in case of an emergency. The annunciation system allows the fire alert system to communicate the source of the emergency, which will allow for a quicker and more efficient response. The panels in use at the University also help control emergency communications systems where they are installed. As existing systems reach the end of their lifecycle, additional capacity in this area is being added.

Social Media

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

Digital Signs

Most digital signs on campus can be updated quickly to include emergency messaging.

Web Announcements

Weather-related closings and other emergencies may be announced by placing an announcement on the UMD homepage (www.d.umn.edu).

On-Scene Emergency Personnel

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

Each building on campus has a unique building emergency plan. The plan outlines evacuation procedures and other emergency instructions.

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 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 procedure

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

• Call the Facilities Management at 218-726-8262 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.

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 all University buildings are equipped with electronic card access control 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 U Card when in University buildings outside of public hours. The U Card 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 U Card outside of public hours may be asked to leave. Additional restrictions may apply to areas deemed to have a higher security standard.

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.

UMD Housing has nine on-campus residential facilities for students.

The exterior doors of all apartment-style student residential facilities are secured 24-hours a day.

The exterior doors of most traditional dormitory residential facilities are secured by 9:30 p.m. and unlocked by 7:30 a.m. each day with the exception of Lake Superior Hall. Lake Superior Hall doors are secured at 12:00 a.m. and unlocked at 6:00 a.m. each day.

Within the traditional dormitory residential facilities interior doors control access to living areas and remain locked 24 hours a day.

During break periods, additional measures are taken to secure our facilities. All exterior doors will be locked 24/7.

Housing & Residence Life reserves the right to modify this door locking schedule if safety concerns arise or if significant campus events require a higher level of security for our facilities.

Campus visitors will only be allowed in the Residence Halls when they are guests of, and accompanied by, a resident of that building. Residents are encouraged to disallow access to anyone other than their guests.

Staff members work closely with the UMD Police Department in maintaining security in all residence halls and apartment buildings, and in resolving situations that affect the safety of residents. There is a Residential Adviser on duty in each student residential facility each night.

University of Minnesota Duluth Facilities Management is responsible for the maintenance of campus facilities and grounds. Facilities Management has departmental standard procedures and practices that are aligned with the Board of Regents Policy “Health and Safety” to address security considerations used in the maintenance of campus facilities. Facilities Management employees regularly fix problems with lighting, doors, locking mechanisms, access control hardware, intrusion alarms, and video security systems.

The Grounds unit ensures safe and accessible exterior environments through regular ground maintenance, snow removal, and cleanliness. Grounds has also incorporated Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles in the design and maintenance of campus landscaping.

To report a building or land care issue contact UMD Facilities Management:

Facilities Management
218-726-8262

Call this number to request assistance with:

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