Safety and Security

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Campus Safety Resources

1. To report an emergency: Dial 9-1-1.*
2. For non-emergency or general information, the University of Minnesota Police Department can be reached at 612-624-COPS (2677).
3. Campus Security Monitors and Escorts: 612-624-WALK (9255). Free to students, staff, faculty, and visitors to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
4. The Gopher Chauffeur is a free transportation service that provides University of Minnesota Twin Cities students with safe rides home. To schedule a ride call 612-388-6911.
5. Code Blue Phones: These provide instant two-way communication with University Police with the push of a button. Located throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. See maps on the Code Blue Emergency Phone website for locations on each campus.
6. Anonymous tip line: Call 612-626-TIPS (8477) and leave a message with the necessary info.
7. The University’s Aurora Center for Advocacy and Education provides crisis intervention and advocacy services to victims/survivors of sexual and relationship violence, harassment, and stalking. Their 24-hour crisis line is
   612-626-9111.

Safety tips when walking, biking, or running

• At night, walk with a friend whenever possible. If you have no one to walk with, call the University’s campus escort service at 612-624-WALK (9255).
• Avoid shortcuts. Take well-traveled and well-lit walkways.
• Be alert and aware of the people and environment around you.
• Don’t walk with ear buds in and music on. Avoid using your mobile phone while walking. These distractions make you an easier target.
• Use good judgment if a stranger asks to borrow your mobile phone.
• Carry minimal amounts of valuables.
• Trust your instincts. If someone makes you uncomfortable, even in daylight, do what is necessary to move away.
• If you feel that someone is following you, go immediately to a nearby location where there are more people.
• If bicycling, always lock your bike and use only a U-Style lock. Bike theft is one of the most common and preventable campus crimes.

Safety tips when driving and parking

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times when it is parked AND when you are driving it. Keep the windows rolled up high enough so that an intruder cannot reach inside.
• When you return to your vehicle, look around it and inside it before you get in.
• Keep your vehicle well maintained. Make sure you have enough gasoline to reach your destination.
• If you will be returning to your vehicle at night, park in a place that will be well lit when you return. Consider calling 612-624-WALK (9255) if you are worried about returning to your car at night on or near campus.
• If your vehicle breaks down, remain inside with the doors locked. If anyone stops to help, ask them to call a tow truck or the police for you.
• NEVER pick up hitchhikers. This is extremely dangerous.
• Keep valuables (laptops, purses, wallets, briefcases, etc.) out of sight. Lock bags and packages in the car’s trunk. (Never leave valuables unattended anywhere.)

*If you are calling 911 from the Twin Cities campus, you should be connected directly to the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD). If not, tell the 911 operator that you are calling from the University of Minnesota and ask to be transferred to the U Police.

Visit the UMPD website for more on crime prevention.