Twin Cities: Crime Statistics and Prevention

Criminal Offenses Reported by Hierarchy

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.

Note on the Data

Crime statistics for the Twin Cities campus were previously reported as two separate campuses—Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University has since clarified that these locations constitute a single campus, as they are reasonably contiguous and share common resources. As a result, crime statistics from previous years have been combined and will subsequently be reported as Twin Cities campus statistics.

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 was one (1) stalking on campus motivated by a religious bias.

2023

There was one (1) reported intimidation motivated by a race bias that occurred on campus and two (2) reported cases of intimidation with religious bias that occurred on campus.

2022

There was one (1) simple assault motivated by a religious bias that occurred on campus.

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 was one (1) unfounded crime.

2023

There were no unfounded crimes.

2022

There were five (5) 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 Police Department (UMPD)
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 612-624-2677

Office for Community Standards

612-624-6073
[email protected]

Submit a UMN 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 Office for Community Standards for review and follow-up.

Criminal Investigations

UMPD 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 UMPD policies.

Student and Student Organizations Conduct Investigations

Upon receipt of a report, the Office of Community Standards (OCS) 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 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.

UMPD’s Community Engagement Team (CET) is responsible for coordinating safety presentations and training throughout the year for the University community. Presentations cover various topics such as responding to active shooters, basic University crime prevention information and trends, and personal safety.

UMPD Information Sessions on Safety, Security and Crime Prevention

Each semester UMPD participates in orientation sessions for incoming students and their parents as well as the UMN Greek System. UMPD presents information on crime prevention topics including, the importance of locking and securing personal property, securing doors of residences, safe walk practices and information on how to contact the police. UMPD additionally, posts safety information, crime prevention tips, situational awareness alerts on Department of Public Safety's social media platforms.

UMPD partners with U Rec and Wellness to offer Self Defense Workshops. These workshops cover personal safety awareness and how to stay vigilant. Participants are shown simple self-defense moves and are given a chance to practice their new learned skills.

Additionally, CET presents to departments and groups on campus upon request. To request a presentation contact UMPD Investigations and Outreach at 612-624-COPS (2677) or online.

Presentations can be on a range of topics, and can be tailored to the needs of the group or department requesting the presentation.

Active Threat Response

UMPD offers in person and online training on responding to an active threat. The training is designed to inform the University community about the steps to take in the event of an active shooter on campus and what to expect from law enforcement officers arriving on the scene.

Information on both trainings can be found online.

Gophers Taking Care of Gophers

During orientation, Orientation leaders facilitate a 1.5 hour long interactive presentation where students are provided information on various campus resources such as UMPD, 624-WALK, Aurora, and much more. Short prerecorded skits are shared with students that cover topics such as, mental health awareness, alcohol issues, sexual violence issues, including discussions related to consent. At the end of each short video skit students stop and ask questions of the students to promote engagement and understanding. A video from campus leaders is also shown to students reiterating the U’s commitment with regard to Sexual Assault Prevention. Aurora and the Sexual Prevention team reviewed this information and facilitation guide. Student are informed of the required online education modules that also reiterate Alcohol and Sexual Assault Prevention. 

Thriving at the U

All incoming students attending orientation attend this session, focused on thriving on campus and highlighting a variety of resources that include Aurora, Boynton Health Center, and the Dean of Students office to name a few. 

Campus Tours

During orientation new students are given the opportunity to take a tour of the campus which highlights locations of campus emergency blue light beacons and other important safety issues related to navigating the campus, including information about the Security Monitor escort service, 624-WALK.

Fall & Spring Safety Weeks

Each September and April, Housing & Residential Life (HRL) has a Safety Week for all residence halls and apartment communities. During this week, residents participate in educational activities to promote active bystander behavior and promote awareness of community safety.

During the first month of class, house meetings are held, and residents receive information on HRL policies, tailgating, locking doors, and campus resources such as 624-WALK and the Gopher Chauffeur.

Residential Curriculum Content

Items related to personal safety and alcohol education are woven throughout the residential curriculum content. Delivered through talking points with community advisors students are able to access this information at various points during the year.

Hall Staff

HRL employees (Office Assistants who work the 24-hour information desks, Community Advisors, Business Operation Supervisors (professional staff), and Assistant/Residence Directors (professional staff)) are trained annually on campus resources, how to refer students to these resources, and emergency procedures.

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 a 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.

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).

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

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.

Chemical Health Assessment

The Boynton Health provides information on alcohol and chemical health services.

Chemical Health Assessment appointments must be made in person at Boynton’s Mental Health Clinic.

For more information, call Boynton’s Mental Health Clinic at 612-624-1444.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free professional consultation and referral services for University employees and faculty who are experiencing work or personal-related difficulties. Spouses, partners, and immediate family members are also eligible for EAP services.

Confidential consultation:

• Work productivity
• Interpersonal relationships
• Work relationships
• Family
• Supervisory challenges
• Loss and bereavement
• Conflict resolution
• Alcohol/substance abuse
• Mental health

The University of Minnesota Employee Benefits page has more information.