November 2025

Campus Community,

As many in our community are aware, a shooting occurred off-campus in Dinkytown early Saturday morning, November 1st. Sadly, a University of Minnesota student was one of three victims. The student is in stable condition and will recover. 

Echoing the message President Cunningham and Executive Vice President Goldman sent to the University community, I want to express my gratitude to the first responders and acknowledge that this was a difficult day for our community as well as for us at the Department of Public Safety. Please review the message from President Cunningham and Executive Vice President Goldman at the link below.

We are sending a clarification update to the Department of Public Safety Newsletter that you received earlier today. The incident that Interim Chief Erik Swanson referred to in his note to the campus community occurred on November 1, 2025 and not this past Saturday. We regret that the date was not specified in the original version.



Interim Chief Erik Swanson

Department of Public Safety

University Security Advisors - Dinkytown Safety

At the start of the spring semester last year, 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 throughout the semester during these hours:



Wednesday through Sunday, 5pm - 1am

The Off-Campus Safety Center celebrates 1 year!

On September 6th 2024 the Off-Campus Safety Center officially opened to the campus community. Since opening, the center has hosted many events, training sessions, student group meetings, reservations to campus departments and community meetings. In total since opening the Off-Campus Safety Center has welcomed over 8,500 visitors to the space.

The center is open Monday - Friday, 9am - 11pm and is accessible by UCARD.

Gopher Chauffeur Operations & Updates

Our University Security team has been busy providing Gopher Chauffeur Safe Rides since spring semester of last school year. At the start of the fall semester, Gopher Chauffeur expanded the hours of operation to 8pm - 1am, 7 days a week. Additionally, the service is now offered year-round with the exception of Winter & Spring Break.

Give to the MAX day to support UMPD Community Engagement & K9

Don't miss the opportunity to give on Give To The Max Day to our DPS Community Engagement and K9 Funds, November 20th, 2025. “Strong communities grow when we all show up. Giving to the max to support community engagement and building strong community connections— join us!

Toys for Tots Collection Locations

The Department of Public Safety will once again be collecting toys in partnership with Toys for Tots this year at various locations on campus from December 1st through December 10th. The mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas.

Holiday Decorating at the Safety Center

Missing home at the holidays? Come join us! We’re excited to involve students in decorating the Off Campus Safety Center for the holidays this year! Our decorating gathering is on Wednesday, December 3rd at 1 p.m.—everyone is welcome! We will have cookie decorating and hot cocoa! See you there!

Welcome Back to Campus Gophers!

Our team enjoyed engaging with thousands of students during various welcome week and homecoming events! We are always here, if you need help. Call 9-1-1

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.

Updates & Upcoming Events...

Extra UMPD Patrols in Dinkytown

UMPD extra patrols in Dinkytown will continue throughout the year. You will see an increased presence throughout the Dinkytown/ Marcy Holmes neighborhoods.

Our officers are out with a visible presence 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.

Gopher Football Tailgating

Join members of the Department of Public Safety in the Gopher Garden on Oak Street before every home football game.

Our team brings important safety resources, alcohol educational awareness activities and more!

Once kick-off occurs, join us at the Off-Campus Safety Center for an open house with free food!



Empowerment Self-Defense Workshops

Join us for an upcoming Empowerment Self-Defense Workshop located at the Off-Campus Safety Center in Dinkytown.

Empowerment Self-Defense:

-Self-defense as: Self-care, self-empowerment, self-advocacy

-Variety of strategies for emotional & physical safety, active resistance, de-escalation of situations and conflicts

-Identifies core values & preferences

-Body and spatial awareness, emotional regulation, verbal & physical boundaries, assertiveness

-Reduces rates of sexual violence, self-blame, guilt, and shame

*Participants must be able to attend the full 2.5-hour workshop and are encouraged to dress comfortably.

This program qualifies for 650 wellness points* 

Empowerment Self-Defense Workshops will be conducted in partnership with the Aurora Center.

Recruiting & Mentorship

with Christina Mignone

Hey Gophers, welcome back!!

It's been a busy summer season hiring Community Service Officers, Campus Security Advisors and Student Security Monitors.

We have been planning our recruitment engagements for the fall season. We will be tabling at Lind Hall on the east bank and Ruttan Hall at the St. Paul Campus, so don't forget to stop by to grab your safety resources and check out our open student positions at DPS.

Also don't forget to stop by the Off Campus Safety Center in Dinkytown, it's been a great safe study space for students with free popcorn and coffee!!

Have a great fall Gophers, welcome back! 

Learn more about Community Liaison Dillon Gherna here

Community Connections

with Dillon Gherna

Welcome to campus, Gophers!

After a busy summer preparing for the school semester, we are excited to be here to support you in your academic journey!

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.

See you on campus!

Go Gophers!

• Note: begininng March 21, 2024, Electric Scooters are catgorized as “auto thefts.” 

• 86% of Burglaries were burglaries in 2025 have been of a business (vs. burglary of a dwelling)

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