Twin Cities: 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 University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) is responsible for all property owned by the University in the Twin Cities area. UMPD officers provide services in directed, proactive patrol, crime prevention and investigation, law enforcement, and emergency response.

UMPD typically investigates all criminal offenses that occur within UMPD’s primary jurisdiction and work with the staff of cooperating agencies when incidents arise that require joint investigative efforts, resources, crime-related reports, and exchanges of information.

The University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety has agreements of continuous emergency operations and partnership with local and state public safety agencies. The UMPD and partner agencies communicate regularly at the scene of incidents that occur in and around the campus. Meetings may be held between UMPD and partner law enforcement agencies for the purposes of sharing information on both a formal and informal basis. Local and state police agencies provide back-up assistance for any emergency that might require extensive police services.

UMPD strives to provide a safe environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors on campus. When UMPD receives information about an off-campus crime that requires secondary investigation, it forwards the information to the proper local police department.

UMPD monitors crime at noncampus locations for inclusion in the Daily Crime Log and Timely Warning purposes. If an incident involves a student and is not a UMPD report, the appropriate University office can request the report from the responding agency. UMPD does not share/release reports that are not theirs.

When UMPD takes a report of criminal activity, appropriate officials within the institution, including the Office for Community Standards may be notified. 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 main objective of the disciplinary system at the University of Minnesota is to maintain standards of conduct and order commensurate with the educational goals of the institution.

University Security acts as the “eyes and ears” of UMPD. Security staff have no arrest powers but are trained to determine when police or other first responders should be called.

University Security provides building security and patrols in University buildings, including residence halls. University Security offers the 624-WALK safe walk service and the Gopher Chauffeur ride service on campus and in near campus neighborhoods. 

University Security works closely with UMPD. University Security staff carry a portable police radio that enables them to communicate directly with the dispatch and request police assistance when necessary. University Security does not generally interact with other local law enforcement agencies; contact with other local law enforcement is generally handled by the UMPD. University Security does not have any agreements with local law enforcement agencies.

The Clery Act requires timely warning notification to the campus community when a reported Clery crime, occurring on University of Minnesota 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 a Clery crime that represents a serious or ongoing threat is reported to the University of Minnesota Police Department or a Campus Security Authority, the UMPD on duty supervisor will notify the UMPD on-call administrator. The UMPD on-call administrator will evaluate the facts of each crime on a case-by-case basis to determine if a SAFE-U Advisory Notification is warranted.

When the UMPD on-call administrator determines that a reported crime poses a serious or continuing threat and a SAFE-U Advisory Notification is warranted, the on-call administrator will compose the notification and forward the message to the Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (PSECC) for distribution.

SAFE-U Advisory Notifications will be electronically distributed to all Twin Cities Campus students, staff, and faculty via University of Minnesota email. 

SAFE-U Advisory Notifications will include the following information:

• Date and time of the incident
• Location
• Crime type
• A link to the Public Safety Notifications website

The Public Safety Notifications website will include:

• Updates and additional details as available
• 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.

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.

When an incident occurs that causes an immediate threat to the campus, the first responders to the scene are usually from UMPD. The Minneapolis Police Department, Metro Transit Police Department, St. Paul Police Department, Minneapolis Fire Department, St. Paul Fire Department, Hennepin County Sheriff, Ramsey County Sheriff, and HCMC EMS assist UMPD as the situation requires. These agencies have been asked to inform the University of Minnesota regarding any situations that are reported to them which may warrant a campus emergency response.

Prior to issuing an emergency notification, 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 sources will be used to determine the scope and content of the notification.

Upon confirmation of an emergency or dangerous situation, the UMPD on-duty supervisor will notify the UMPD Chief or designee. The Chief or designee will, without delay, and considering the safety of the community, work with the Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (PSECC) to determine the content of the notification and initiate the appropriate notification system(s). If it is not possible for the UMPD on-duty supervisor to contact the Chief or designee, the UMPD on-duty supervisor has the authority to 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 Department of Emergency Management is responsible for the activation of emergency notification systems for incidents of severe weather that create a dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the safety of members of the campus community.

The Health Emergency Response Office (HERO) is responsible for the activation of emergency notification systems for health-related emergencies, such as the outbreak of a serious illness, that create a dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the safety of members of the campus community.

The primary method of emergency notification is a SAFE-U Emergency Notification. SAFE U Emergency Notification is delivered to all students and employees. SAFE-U Emergency Notifications will consist of an email and text and/or phone messages.

The activation of other emergency notification systems such as CWEAS and Tone Alert Radios are based on the guidelines established in the Department of Public Safety Emergency Procedures Manual. These systems may be activated to supplement SAFE-U Emergency Notifications.

SAFE-U Emergency Notifications will consist of basic information about the type of emergency or dangerous situation and information on actions to take 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: UMPD supervisory staff, Department of Emergency Management Staff. University Marketing Communications is responsible for notifications on the UMN website and to the news media.

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 local news media. The first concern of the University will be to disseminate information to those people directly affected by the emergency. Dissemination to the larger community is the responsibility of University Marketing Communications.

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

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities 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 Emergency Notifications are used to notify the University community of emergencies or dangerous situations which are likely to impact campus as a whole or impact University operations. SAFE-U communications are delivered via email, text message, and/or phone messages. All current University students, faculty, and staff are automatically registered to receive SAFE-U communications.

Campus Email

In an emergency, University email will 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. The University has 13 stand-alone speaker locations located throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. 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.

Fire Panel Annunciation

The University of Minnesota Department of Emergency Management has equipped some buildings with 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 allows for a quicker and more efficient response. These panels also help control emergency communications systems where they are installed. Additional capacity in this area is being added as existing systems reach the end of their lifecycle.

Social Media

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

Web Announcements

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

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 procedures

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

• Call the FM Call Center (FMCC) at 612-624-2900 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 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.

Surveillance cameras are located throughout the campus. Surveillance cameras are monitored 24 hours a day by Public Safety Emergency Communications (PSECC) on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

Although these represent the general security measures implemented across campus, specific areas, such as the Health Science Area, have additional, specialized security protocols.

There are three distinct levels of access to buildings, public hours, university hours and restricted hours. Building hours vary according to building use. University faculty, staff and students are required to carry their U Card for building access.

Public Hours

Some campus facilities are open to the general public during Public Hours without the need for a U Card. Not all University Buildings have Public Hours.

University Hours

All active faculty, staff, and students are granted U Card access during University Hours to most UMTC buildings. If you require access beyond University Hours, arrangements must be made by the Department Facility Representative (DFR) for your department or college.

Restricted Hours

Areas requiring restrictive control for security reasons are not included in access during University Hours. Access requirements during Restricted Hours are determined by your department or college. Restricted access will only be granted with the approval of the Department Facility Representative (DFR) for that building/area.

For information on specific building hours, go to http://campusmaps.umn.edu and select “Buildings” to learn the building hours.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has various student housing facilities available. Housing & Residential Life operates nine traditional dormitory style and five apartment-style student residential facilities on the Twin Cities campus.

All exterior residence hall doors, except Pioneer Hall, Comstock Hall, 17th Avenue Hall, and Sanford Hall are locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week and require card access. The lobby doors of Pioneer, Comstock, 17th Avenue, and Sanford are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to allow students to access to dining facilities. In these buildings however, access to living areas remain locked 24 hours a day and require card access. Guests and visitors may access residence hall living areas only when escorted by a resident of that hall. Residents are encouraged not to open doors for anyone other than their guests.

Building access turnstiles are present in the lobbies of Pioneer Hall, Middlebrook Hall, and 17th Avenue Residence Hall to provide an additional secure checkpoint between exterior doors and residential spaces. These turnstiles are active 24/7 and require card access. Non-residential guests must be swiped through the turnstiles by resident hosts who are expected to escort their guests while inside the building. Building access turnstiles were added to Centennial Hall, Frontier Hall, Keeler Apartments, Sanford Hall, Territorial Hall, and Wilkins Hall during the summer of 2025 and are operational for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The information desks in the lobbies of all residence halls and apartments are staffed 24 hours a day by office assistants. There are security cameras in the lobbies and residential access points, as well as in remote areas of the building.

Every hall has a community advisor on duty each night. Security advisers do frequent external rounds of the building between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Security staff, information desk staff, and on-duty community advisors work together to ensure the safety and security of each residential building during the evening and night hours. A residence director is available 24/7 for emergencies.

The University owns two student housing facilities that are independently managed by student-owned cooperatives, and five Townhomes available for lease through Housing & Residential Life. In these facilities, entrances to private residential units are equipped with locking mechanisms.

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 CCTV systems.

The Landcare unit ensures safe and accessible exterior environments through regular ground maintenance, snow removal, and cleanliness. Landcare 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 call the FM Call Center:

Facilities Management Call Center
612-624-2900

Call this number to request assistance with:

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