Blue light emergency kiosks have 24/7 surveillance cameras and a button to press to call the police.
By Hannah Jarosch
Some University of Minnesota students revealed their truths about campus safety and the Minneapolis Police Department’s involvement.
When asked about the MPD’s involvement on campus, junior Liz Munsterman said there is always room for improvement and more resources for students.
“It’s such a big city that you never know what could go on,” said Munsterman.
Junior Liz Munsterman.
Munsterman said she feels most on edge in Dinkytown because of its reputation.
Crime rates in Dinktown are over four times the national average with rape and robbery being the leading crimes, according to weichert.com.
Most students said they felt uncomfortable walking alone at night on campus.
Junior Paige Stephens said she carries a whistle and pepper spray with her every time she walks on campus.
“Resources like Gopher Chauffeur are great when you have to walk at night,” said Stephens.
Stephens also said she thought it was weird that the SafetyU alerts get sent out a couple hours after the event happened.
SafetyU alerts inform the campus community via text, phone, and email about a significant emergency or dangerous situation that poses a threat to the campus. They also provide action steps you can take to help preserve safety.
The steps from the University’s website include the following.
- Use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid the area
- Shelter in place until an all-clear is given.
- Evacuate
- Run Hide Fight. If you are left with no other option, use materials at your disposal to fight the active threat.
Most students also said that they do not feel safe riding the light rail, especially at night. Stephens said many people invade personal space.
Freshman Ryan Vapini said he had a weird encounter on the light rail that made him stop using it. A man repeatedly poked and touched Vapini.
“When I asked why he was touching me, the man said “just because,”” said Vapini.
Metro Transit crime reports from 2021 to 2022 for the following offenses increased according to Kare11.com.
- Narcotics, by 182%
- Weapons, by 145%
- Liquor Law violations, by 92%
- Assault, by 28%
Hannah Jarosch 