News

Commitment to Campus and Dinkytown Safety

September 6, 2026

One of the best parts of a new academic year is seeing our campus come alive again. The start of a new year brings renewed energy, excitement and possibility as students, faculty and staff reconnect and settle into the semester.

At the same time, incidents like the one in Dinkytown last night--when a large crowd not associated with the University gathered and shots were fired--are deeply concerning. They can leave people feeling shaken or uncertain, particularly in a busy time of year, when many are returning to campus and becoming familiar with the surrounding neighborhoods. Please know that the University of Minnesota Police Department shares these concerns and is committed to supporting the safety and well-being of our campus community.

We know that many of our students live in the Dinkytown neighborhood, and we have made new investments in the area to support safety, including improved lighting, additional patrols and partnerships with the Minneapolis Police Department and other agencies. Throughout the rest of the weekend, we are enhancing police presence in the area, which will include the assistance of partnering law enforcement agencies.

As you find your routines and reconnect with friends and colleagues, whether on campus or in the surrounding neighborhoods, please take advantage of the many safety resources available to you.

  • The off-campus safety center, located in Dinkytown on 14th Avenue between University and 4th Street, is staffed from Monday through Friday, 9 am to 11 pm. Stop in for a quiet place to study or learn about campus safety.
  • The University has invested in blue light kiosks on campus and in the Dinkytown area. When you press the call button, you will be connected with the UMPD 911 dispatch. 
  • Pay attention to SAFE-U Alerts and opt-in to receive Dinkytown Alerts to help you stay informed about incidents or urgent situations affecting campus and surrounding neighborhoods. 
  • Call 624-WALK to have University security walk with you while traveling on or near campus. You can also call Gopher Chauffeur for a safe ride around campus and nearby neighborhoods.
  • Carry your U Card to ensure you have access to campus buildings.
  • The University is actively installing electronic lockdown buttons or other locking mechanisms on classroom doors across campus.
  • The Department of Public Safety has many resources for responding to an active threat:
  • Call 911 in an emergency: If you or someone else is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical or police assistance, call 911 immediately. UMPD will respond to your call on campus or in the Dinkytown area.

Whether you are joining the University for the first time or returning to a familiar place, I hope you feel welcomed and know that you are an important part of this community. Safety is more than systems and resources; it’s about our connections, and we look forward to supporting you all throughout a safe and successful academic year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael A. Davis
Associate Vice President
Chief of Police, University of Minnesota Police Department
 

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