A recent Minnesota
Daily article reported University of Minnesota students don’t feel safe due
to the increasing number of violent crimes on campus. Senator Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, is working to
keep these students safe.
Terri said while higher education institutions in metro areas have dealt
with fluctuating crime trends for decades, the recent uptick is unique because
of the criminals’ boldness, the article reported.
“University
police have issued 14 crime alerts since the
beginning of the semester for crimes, which include two sexual assaults, an
attempted kidnapping and many armed robberies,” the article reported. Students
at the university have been petitioning for more police to monitor campus to
decrease crimes.
“We’re doing our best to be aware of our
surroundings and to maintain our personal safety, but concern for our security
on a daily basis has interrupted the flow of our normal lives,” one student
said.
The article reported University police Chief Greg Hestness said he has met with city
law enforcement officials to increase campus surveillance.
“Criminals seek out urban areas where
there is a lot of foot traffic, places where they can get in and out quickly
and where they have a lot of potential victims,” Hennepin County Sheriff
Richard Stanek said. “Urban college campuses fit with this model.”
University police Chief Greg Hestness
said he has met with city law enforcement officials increase campus
surveillance. Cameras will be installed at light-rail stops to increase
security on Washington Avenue, the article reported.
Bonoff is planning to check
back with the University next legislative session to make sure practices are on
track. Senator Bonoff is also leading policy to make transparent
reporting on health and safety during study abroad programs a reality.
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