U of M Police consider adding Dinkytown “safety center” [Video]

MINNEAPOLIS — University of Minnesota Police are exploring the addition of a “safety center” somewhere in the heart of Dinkytown, in response to lingering crime concerns in the off-campus neighborhood comprised mostly of students.

UMPD Chief Matt Clark unveiled the proposal during a Board of Regents presentation on Friday. Although details remain scarce, the safety center would essentially act as a central hub for police, students and community groups. Along with the safety center, Clark said his department also plans to expand a mutual aid agreement with Minneapolis Police — which holds primary jurisdiction over Dinkytown — by assisting them with more non-emergency 911 calls in the area.

“We believe an off-campus safety center would be a valuable resource for the campus community, but it would also be a location for our safety ambassadors, some of our community elders …