February 2025

Campus Community,

Freezing winter temperatures tend to keep reports of crime at lower numbers than in the warmer months. However, as spring and summer temperatures arrive, opportunities for crime change, and I wanted to take a moment to address personal safety on and around campus. We are often asked for our best personal safety tip and I think the number one thing that students, staff and our entire community can do to keep themselves and each other safe is situational awareness. When we are remaining aware of who is around us and what is happening, we can make choices and take actions sooner. 

There are four key elements to situational awareness:

Observation: Being aware of what's happening around you, especially the people around you.

Orientation: Adapting to your observations about the situation.

Decision: Developing a plan to act.

Action: Acting on your plan.

By remaining situationally aware, I may notice someone or something that's giving me that "something's wrong" feeling, an observation. Once I recognize that, I can start adapting and planning. No matter what the plan is — stop into an open business, blend into a larger crowd, change direction — the key was remaining aware and observing my surroundings so I could make informed choices.

See you on campus,

Interim Chief Erik Swanson

Department of Public Safety

Follow the Department of Public Safety on social media for more safety resources, crime prevention tips, public safety updates and more!

Chief Clark to Conclude His Tenure at the University

Chief Matthew Clark is announcing his plans to end a long and distinguished career in law enforcement by leaving the University on May 1st, 2025. Chief Clark joined the University of Minnesota Police and Public Safety Department in June of 2015. His law enforcement career started in 1991 and involved 5 different Minnesota police agencies.

In his nearly 10 years of service at the University, he was an outstanding and recognized public safety leader and has the support and gratitude of the campus community. Chief Clark’s ability to manage important partnerships and tenacity with starting and promoting important safety initiatives, provided valuable safety services to the campus for many years. Department of Public Safety members value Chief Clark’s leadership and expressed their appreciation for his focus on professionalism, and serving with compassion.

His accomplishments include creating the Community Engagement Team, expanding off-campus safety services and opening the Off-Campus Safety Center, leading safety operations for many large campus events and incidents, and commanding joint agency operations around the metro area.

As we move forward, the University will launch a national search to identify the next Chief of Police. They will form a search committee and engage a search firm to ensure we attract a broad candidate pool. The University's goal is to find a leader who will continue advancing campus safety, community engagement, and public trust. In the interim, Captain Erik Swanson is serving as Interim Chief, and we are grateful for his continued leadership during this transition.

UMPD swears in three new officers

Please join us in welcoming our three newest UMPD Police Officers to the University of Minnesota: Officers J. Guerrette, P. Yang, and J. Berry. Welcome to the University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety! If you see any of our new officers out and about, please give them a warm University welcome.

Reflecting on One Month of Gopher Chauffeur Safe Ride Program

At the start of the spring semester, DPS took over the Gopher Chauffeur Safe Ride program, expanding its hours to 7 days a week from 9pm - 1am during the school semester.

The first month of operations showed great success in the program.

University Security provided over 2,000 safe rides to students and transported over 2,800 students safely.

Book your ride today by scanning the QR code or on the Transloc App.

University Security Advisors - Dinkytown Safety

At the start of the spring semester, DPS transitioned Dinkytown safety guide services from Block by Block to University Security Advisors.

University Security Advisors are conducting safe walks, foot patrols, vehicle patrols, off campus safety center coverage and more.

University Security Advisors will be staffed in Dinkytown:



Wednesday through Sunday, 5pm - 1am

Reserve Space at the Off Campus Safety Center

Did you know you can reserve space at the Off-Campus Safety Center? That's right, consider hosting your next student group meeting, department celebration, or lunch at the Off-Campus Safety Center. To reserve space, scan the QR code below or visit the link listed below. We look forward to having you at the safety center!

z.umn.edu/OFSCreserve

UMPD Freezin' Gophs to Plunge in February @ Lake Nokomis

That's right, team UMPD FREEZIN' GOPHS will be once again raising money for Special Olympics of MN to directly support the incredible Special Olympic athletes right here in our state! People ask us how they can help to support the cause - here are a few ways you can support us and the athletes - attend to watch the plungers, plunge into the water, or donate to support Special Olympic athletes. To donate, simply click the button below and it will bring you to our donation page. Thanks for your support!

DPS Video Series: Police Response to Mental Health Calls

This video depicts the police response to mental health calls and includes sensitive content such as suicidality and the potential for violence with firearms. As such, you should only view this video when you are ready to contemplate this content.

This micro training video "The Police Response to Mental Health Calls" shows what happens after a caller contacts 911 for a mental health crisis. Viewers will learn what type of information they'll be asked to provide 911, how police interact with persons of concern, and about the training Minnesota police officers take related to mental health crises.

MN Association of Women Police 70th Anniversary Gala

In January, DPS was able to attend the Minnesota Association of Women Police 70th Anniversary Gala - it was an honor to celebrate and support the history and future of women in public safety.

Upcoming construction projects impacting traffic near campus

There are three major road construction projects that will begin on and around the Twin Cities campus starting soon and continuing into the fall that may impact your travel near campus. While the projects are managed by external partners the University is working with them to minimize disruption to campus.

🚨Interstate 94 Construction Work (Spring–Fall 2025)

I–94 will be reduced to two lanes in each direction between Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue and the Franklin Avenue Bridge starting in early April through the fall. Ramps along I–94 at Cedar Avenue and Riverside Avenue on West Bank and Huron Boulevard on East Bank will also temporarily close.

🚨University Avenue Construction (Feb–Nov 2025)

University Avenue will be reduced to one or two lanes between 10th Avenue (at I-35W) and Oak Street and buses will occasionally detour around the area.

🚨Bridge 9 Renovation (Mar–Nov 2025)

Bridge 9 (the pedestrian bridge on the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail between West Bank Office Building and the Education Sciences Building) will close. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooterists should use the 10th Avenue or Washington Avenue Bridges to cross over the Mississippi River instead.

For up–to–date information, including detours, visit the project pages: https://pts.umn.edu/projects

Updates & Upcoming Events...

Extra UMPD Patrols in Dinkytown

UMPD extra patrols in Dinkytown will continue throughout the year.

Our officers are out with a visible presence in Dinkytown at night in addition to increased daily patrols throughout the area.

If you see suspicious or criminal activity please call 911 or report it to the nearest police officer.

Cops & Coffee Events

The Department of Public Safety is planning our annual Cops & Coffee events all throughout our Twin Cities Campus.

Events will occur in pop up locations on East Bank, West Bank, and Saint Paul campuses. All events are posted on our social media accounts.

Other events will be held at the off-campus safety center in Dinkytown.

Mental Health Resources

While early engagement and ongoing support for those struggling with mental health issues is ideal, we have several services available to any student who is in an emergency or crisis situation. These include the University’s 24-hour crisis hotline (call or text), Boynton’s drop-in urgent crisis clinic, and Let’s Talk. These are in addition to connecting students to regular counseling support at Student Counseling Services, Boynton’s Mental Health Clinic or, for those who may need additional support navigating barriers, our Care Program.

Free and confidential mental health support services are also available to faculty and staff.

For an immediate response:

988 - A crisis line available to anyone on 24/7 and 365 basis

911 - Police, Fire and EMS 

Resources for Students:

Boynton Health Comprehensive health care supporting the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of the UMN campus community.

Student Counseling Services Address mental health concerns, academic challenges, and life skill development.

UMN Crisis Line If you wish to talk to someone about what to do in a mental health crisis, call the 24-hour Crisis Line at 612-301-4673.

Help Compass Online Resource Guide Click this link to be directed to the University Mental Health online support page.

Additional Student Resources Click the link to the left to access more resources available to you as a student.

Resources for Staff:

Amwell offers virtual behavioral health care services, including therapy and psychiatry, for medical plan members.

Wellbeing Program You can find resources to help manage stress and enhance your resilience. 

Additional Staff Resources Click the link to the left to access more resources available to you as staff or faculty.

Beyond those resources, here are some training resources that focus on supporting to those experiencing mental health challenges.

Free/open to public (including friends, family)

The “Supporting Student Mental Health” micro training videos teach how to recognize when a student may need support and how to access the right resources.

MentalHealth@UMN: A website where you answer a few anonymous questions to get the right help right now.

Employee/student availability only

Mental health training for faculty and staff to support students is available from Boynton Health.

More student, faculty and staff resources are available on the Mental Health & Wellbeing menu on MyU.

UMPD looking for an international intern with Culture Corps

University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) seeks one International Outreach Intern interested in sociology, social work, psychology, criminology, law, communications, or related fields.

At the University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety we value the cross cultural knowledge and experience that come with an ISSS intern. It is invaluable to our success and safety while protecting and serving the campus community. This position is unpaid, but qualifies for a cross cultural leadership award called Culture Corps, a program within International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Culture Corps is a program that provides awards for international students who are able to share their international or cross-cultural experiences as assets to these positions. The student should be eligible to receive a Culture Corps award.

View the job description here



To apply, please send a resume and a one-page cover letter outlining your experience and interest in this position to Nithya Murikinati murik002@umn.edu by March 31st, 2025.

Recruiting & Mentorship

with Christina Mignone

We have been focusing on recruitment planning for 2025 and excited for some great opportunities with DPS to open and will be posted this spring.

We finished 2024 with strong new hires, attending over 47 recruiting events and our mission to hire from a stronger candidate pool has been successful.

As your DPS recruiter I am committed to helping you explore opportunities with DPS and walk along side you on your job search.

Please text, or email if you’d like the upcoming position links emailed to you.

Christina 612-615-1722 | cmignone@umn.edu

Stay warm!

Learn more about Community Liaison Dillon Gherna here

Community Connections

with Dillon Gherna

Brrrr... it's been a cold start to the spring semester. I hope all of you are doing well in class and enjoying your experiences here at the University.

Our team has been busy planning events and engagement experiences for the warmer periods of the semester and throughout the year.

If you haven't checked out the Off Campus Safety Center, I would highly encourage you to do so! It's a super cozy and safe study space for you off-campus.

Our team shares important resources and information on our social media channels, I would encourage you to follow us @UMNPUBLICSAFETY

Additionally, I am here as a resource for the entire University of Minnesota community, building relationships, providing resources, and supporting our collective goals to keep U safe.

Don't hesitate to reach out anytime.

Go Gophers!

2024 Aggravated Assaults: 3 on Police Officer, 1 Domestic, 6 With a Dangerous Weapon, 2 Significant Bodily Harm. 

· Starting March 21, 2024, Electric Scooters are categorized as “auto thefts.” Even with the addition of electric scooters, auto thefts are down 34% from 2023.  

· 86% of Burglaries were burglaries of a business (vs. burglary of a dwelling)

Welcome our new DPS team members

Pictured above (Left to right): Community Service Officers: Haven Eliason, Bryson Barth, Derek Trout, Noe Vega and Vance Yang. Police Officers: J. Berry, J. Guerrette and P. Yang. Welcome to all of our new employees!

Campus Safety Resources

BLUE EMERGENCY KIOSKS

If you see the blue emergency kiosks and need help, press the help button.

The blue kiosks directly connect you with a DPS 911 dispatcher and provides the exact location of the kiosk, as well as the ability to view the camera on the kiosk.

There are over 60 blue emergency kiosks on campus located outdoors, tunnels and in Dinkytown.

624-WALK (Safety Escort Service)

Request a safe walk from a trained University Security employee, please call 612-624-WALK (9255), or 4-WALK from any campus phone. You can also visit this link to request online. Available 24/7/365.

RAVE Guardian App

Rave Guardian is a free phone app that provides University of Minnesota students, faculty and staff with access to virtual safety walking escorts and other helpful safety and security resources on campus. 

Active Threat Presentations & Online Training Course

The Department of Public Safety offers an online Active Threat training course through canvas. To take this training, please click the button below.

*Note: You must have a UM email address to enroll in the training*

The police department also offers trainings and information on what to do if there is an active threat on campus. 

To set up an in-person active threat training, please fill out a Community Outreach Officer form and indicate you would like an active threat presentation.

Officer Geoff Chang conducts the trainings at your location.

Scan the QR code or click the button to the take the online active threat training