Dinkytown Safety: A Guide to Local Safety Resources
Living in Dinkytown means being a part of a busy community. With so much happening in the neighborhood, it’s important to know how to stay safe and where to find help if you need it. Below is a collection of Dinkytown safety resources to make that information easy to find and accessible to everyone. From emergency contacts to local resources to safety tips, these tools will prepare you to be safe and confident in your home!
Safety Resources and Quick Links
Commitment to Campus and Dinkytown
The University is increasing coordinated safety efforts in and around Dinkytown, including expanded patrols, stronger partnerships with Minneapolis officials, improved lighting and environmental design, and ongoing support for students who live, work, or spend time in the area. These actions are part of a long‑term plan to make campus spaces feel safer, more connected, and more responsive to student needs. Click the link below to learn more about resources and the University's commitment to Dinkytown safety.
SafeU-Alerts
The University’s Department of Public Safety sends SAFE-U Alerts to notify the community of crime that has occurred on or immediately adjacent to campus. Our community members may also be interested in receiving safety alerts for events that take place outside of the bounds of the SAFE-U Alerts. The Department of Public Safety works with the Minneapolis Police Department to produce Dinkytown Alerts. These alerts cover the limited area of Dinkytown, defined here as east of 35W, south of 8th Street SE, and northwest of the East Bank campus. They are intended to notify the community to take immediate action or avoid an area. Click below for more information on up to date alerts.
Safety Walk
Need someone to walk with you? 624-WALK is a free University of Minnesota safety escort service available 24/7 to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. On staff security employees can walk with you to or from campus locations to nearby neighborhoods, including Dinkytown (see map below for available areas). To make a request, simply call (612)-624-9255 (WALK) or submit a request online. The University recommends requesting this service 15-30 minutes before you plan to leave your location.
Gopher Chauffeur
Don't feel like walking? Gopher Chauffeur offers a free ride service for students who need a safe way to get home. To request a ride, use the ride request form. Rides are available seven nights a week and have a wide range of pickup and drop-off locations.
Rave Guardian App
The Rave Guardian Campus Safety App virtual escort is a service available to all students, staff and faculty. Users download the app and register their profile. The resource is easy to use. Click on "Virtual Escort" and enter in your destination information. You can invite friends and family to be you "Social Guardian" and they can monitor your trip. Click the link below to learn more about downloading and using this safety app.
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling, the University of Minnesota offers 24/7 help. You can call the UMN Crisis Line at 612‑301‑4673 anytime for immediate support. During the day, Boynton Health provides urgent walk‑in counseling for students who need to talk to someone without waiting for an appointment. No one has to navigate tough moments alone, and reaching out is always a strong first step. Click the link in the box below to read more about on Campus Mental Health Resources.
Blue Light Kiosks
Seeing an emergency or feeling unsafe around you? The Blue Light Kiosks allow you to communicate with UMPD and dispatchers at the push of a button. They also provide 24/7 video surveillance and a visible presence to reassure patrons as they enjoy traveling at any time of day. Blue Light Kiosks are displaced throughout campus and neighboring communities. Use the map below to find Blue Light Kiosk locations and the Gopher Chauffeur service boundaries throughout campus and the surrounding communities.
What Campus Safety Resources Have You Heard of Before?
SafeU-Alerts
Safety Walk
Gopher Chauffeur
Rave Guardian App
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