Turnstiles in dorms and a campus crime map are among the new security measures at the U of M

The University of Minnesota is taking new measures this school year to ensure student safety.

Matt Clark, director of UMN's Department of Public Safety, outlined some of the new security measures during a board of trustees meeting on Friday.

The university has installed turnstiles in three of its nine dormitories, including Pioneer Hall, Middlebrook Hall and 17th Avenue Hall.

“The students asked for buildings that were as safe as possible,” Clark said.

In addition, campus police will be on board the light rail trains throughout September due to student concerns about safety on public transportation.

Clark said the university will also launch a new interactive campus crime map where students, faculty and parents can find detailed information on crimes ranging from car theft to robbery.

“It includes data on when a crime was committed, what type of crime it was, and what building it occurred in. It's something interactive that anyone on campus can look at,” Clark explained.

A new security center opened last week in Dinkytown, right next to campus, to serve as a safe haven for students and security ambassadors during the week.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has reported on crime problems in the Dinkytown area surrounding campus in recent years.

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Clark said UMPD launched a pilot project in 10 blocks of Dinkytown last spring in which campus police will now handle all 911 calls in the area instead of Minneapolis police.

UMPD said it has investigated nearly 500 reports since March along that stretch, which includes university-affiliated organizations and off-campus student housing.

The department has also hired half a dozen new community service officers, unarmed officers who help with patrols.