Bing tracking

Timely Notice: Armed Robbery on 2/17/2021

TIMELY NOTICE BULLETIN

Armed Robbery

Feb 18, 2021

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provision of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, Augsburg University Department of Public Safety is giving notice of an incident that occurred yesterday on Riverside Ave. on the Minneapolis campus.

 

REPORTED OFFENSE:  Armed Robbery

Today, February 18, Augsburg’s Department of Public Safety received a report that at approximately 5 p.m. on February 17, an armed robbery occurred on Riverside Ave. near the Ice Arena. A non-Augsburg individual was in their parked vehicle at the parking meters on the south side of Riverside Ave. when they were approached by a light blue, 4-door sedan with two occupants. The suspect in the passenger seat asked the victim for directions to HCMC, when the victim said they weren’t from the area, the vehicle left. The same vehicle pulled up again a few minutes later and asked the victim to look up directions on their phone; when the victim pulled out their phone, the suspect in the passenger seat got out of the vehicle and pointed a gun at the victim, demanding the victim to get out of the vehicle. The victim was able to talk the suspects out of taking their vehicle but had their wallet taken. The suspects left in an unknown direction.

The suspect with the gun was described as a male, 5’8”-5’9”, slender build, black hair (short on the sides, longer on top) with a chipped right front tooth. The suspect vehicle was described as a light blue, 4-door sedan that had a very clean exterior (no salt or snow).

 

STATUS:  Augsburg Public Safety and the Minneapolis Police (MPD) are currently investigating this incident. Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is urged to contact MPD or Augsburg DPS at 612-330-1717.

Please report any and all concerns that may impact our campus community. If You See Something – Say Something (x1717). We also encourage you to utilize the resources available on our website: www.augsburg.edu/dps and in the CampusShield safety app (available for free download on Google Play and iTunes app store).

 

SAFETY TIPS:

  • Keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings
  • If approached in your vehicle by someone you do not know, do not open doors or roll down windows
  • Call Public Safety or the Minneapolis Police if you see any suspicious activity

 

Augsburg University believes that physical descriptors alone are not a valid reason to profile or cast suspicion on any individual.  When physical descriptors are included in communication to the Augsburg community, it is done so because they may reasonably assist in identifying the perpetrator of the incident.  Augsburg University uses perceived race and gender descriptors that are provided about a suspect only when additional characteristics (beyond clothing) are also available.  Such descriptors are used in an attempt to provide the campus community with important information.  However, the University recognizes that race and gender are personal identity attributes that cannot always be accurately perceived by others, and that any reported information may not be accurate.

Annual Security Report Now Available

Augsburg University is committed to assisting all members of the Augsburg community in providing for their own safety and security.  The annual security and fire safety compliance document is available on the Department of Public Safety website at by visiting the Crime Alerts and Logs page, or by clicking on the following link; 2020 Annual Security Report.

In order to keep in compliance with campus policies regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, if you would like to receive a physical copy of the combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains this information, you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (612) 330-1717 or email a request to publicsafety@augsburg.edu.

The website and booklet contain information regarding campus security and personal safety topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, public safety law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus.  They also contain information about crime statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned and controlled by Augsburg University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

This information is required by law and is provided by the Augsburg University Department of Public Safety.

DPS Response to Protests on Campus Property

Does Augsburg allow protests on campus?

Yes.  Augsburg supports the use of first amendment rights in the form of peaceful protests.

Will DPS take action against protesters on campus?

No, the Department of Public Safety will not take action against peaceful protesters.  Augsburg’s Department of Public Safety will monitor any protest on campus to promote the safety of all parties involved.  The Department of Public Safety will only intervene in a protest if the behavior of individuals causes a safety concern, or if the behavior or language of the protest violates any university policies or Federal, State or Local laws.  In the instance that a protest violates university policy but is following all applicable laws, Public Safety staff may ask the protest to move off of campus property and onto public land, such as Murphy Square.

What happens if a peaceful protest turns violent on campus?

In the event acts of violence or destruction occur during a protest on campus, Department of Public Safety staff will intervene to protect the safety of everyone involved.  If Department of Public Safety staff are not able to control the situation with the resources available to the department, they will call the Minneapolis Police for assistance and they will issue an Augsburg Emergency Notification Alert to inform the community of the situation.  For any Augsburg student, staff or faculty who are involved in the protest, but do not want to be involved in the violence and the police response please do the following:

  • Quickly and safely make your way to the nearest non-residential campus building
  • Help others around you who want to leave the situation to the nearest non-residential building
  • Use your fob to gain entrance into the building – move to an interior space such as a hallway or lobby and stay away from windows
  • While in the building make sure to wear a face covering and do your best to maintain social distancing
  • Call Public Safety (612-330-1717) or use the CampusShield app to alert Public Safety staff of any issues occurring inside the building you are in

While our main focus is the safety of the Augsburg community, if any non-Augsburg individuals at the protest are looking to get to a safe place away from violence, please assist them in getting into one of our buildings as our Public Safety staff will be focusing on the initial incident.  If possible, stay with any non-Augsburg individuals to provide any updates sent out through the Augsburg Emergency Notification system and to help protect the Augsburg community and property.

 

To subscribe to the Augsburg Emergency Notification system or manage your contact information, log into Inside Augsburg and click “Emergency Notification” in the left menu. 

Parking Permit Information for Fall 2020

In an effort to support faculty, staff, and students as they return to campus and to allow for maximum flexibility on campus, we will not be requiring parking permits in Augsburg-owned surface lots to begin the 2020 Fall semester.  While we are expecting a lower volume of vehicles on campus this fall, we will continue to monitor the parking lots and may require permits at a later date if the number of vehicles exceeds our expectations.  We will give ample notice to the community when the decision is made to return to requiring permits in Augsburg owned parking lots.

 

For those who will be on campus regularly and are interested in underground parking, we will have permits for Luther and Oren Gateway underground garages for sale.  Sales for underground permits will open on the following dates:

  • All students – Tuesday August 11, at 11:00 a.m.
  • All Staff and Faculty – Thursday August 13, at 11:00 a.m.

Permit prices are listed on the Department of Public Safety website, https://www.augsburg.edu/dps/parking/#registration.

Let us know if you have any questions at publicsafety@augsburg.edu.

 

Stay safe and stay healthy,

Augsburg Public Safety Team

 

Timely Notice 7/27/2020: Robbery on Minneapolis Campus

7/27/2020

 In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provision of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 Augsburg University Department of Public Safety is giving notice of a concerning incident that occurred in Lot K on the Minneapolis Campus.

 

REPORTED OFFENSE:  Robbery

Today, July 27, Augsburg’s Department of Public Safety received a report that at 6:45 p.m.. today, a robbery occurred in Lot K near the Ice Arena. A witness told officers that an individual parked their vehicle in Lot K and when they got out of the vehicle four suspects surrounded the victim and took their wallet and phone. After taking the items from the victim, all four suspects entered a grey Honda with no license plates and left westbound on Riverside Avenue. No descriptions of the suspects were available and no weapons were seen.

 

STATUS:  Augsburg Public Safety and the Minneapolis Police (MPD) are currently investigating this incident. Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is urged to contact MPD or Augsburg DPS at 612-330-1717.

Please report any and all concerns that may impact our campus community. If You See Something – Say Something (x1717). We also encourage you to utilize the resources available on our website: www.augsburg.edu/dps and in the CampusShield safety app (available for free download on Google Play and iTunes app store).

 

SAFETY TIPS:

  • Keep your head up and always be aware of your surroundings 
  • Do not walk with earbuds or headphones on so you can hear what is going on around you
  • Walk with a group, if possible
  • Call Public Safety immediately if you notice any suspicious behavior

 

Augsburg University believes that physical descriptors alone are not a valid reason to profile or cast suspicion on any individual.  When physical descriptors are included in communication to the Augsburg community, it is done so because they may reasonably assist in identifying the perpetrator of the incident.  Augsburg University uses perceived race and gender descriptors that are provided about a suspect only when additional characteristics (beyond clothing) are also available.  Such descriptors are used in an attempt to provide the campus community with important information.  However, the University recognizes that race and gender are personal identity attributes that cannot always be accurately perceived by others, and that any reported information may not be accurate.

Temporary Change to Escort Policy

Effective 3/20/2020

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the campus community Public Safety will be suspending all vehicle escorts until further notice. Public Safety staff will still be providing walking escorts on campus, as well as to Fairview-Riverside Hospital and the People’s Center Riverside facilities.

If you are feeling ill and are not able to walk with Public Safety staff to Fairview or the People’s Center, you should still contact Public Safety at 612-330-1717 and we will have emergency medical services (ambulance service) assist in transporting you to the proper healthcare facility.

We will reassess this temporary policy change on 3/30/2020.  Any questions about this temporary policy change should be directed to publicsafety@augsburg.edu.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

As the single-digit and sub-zero temperature days become more frequent, it’s important for all of us (no matter how many winters you’ve been through) to review ways to stay safe in the bitter cold, so we can make it through another lovely Minnesota winter.  Refresh your winter safety knowledge by reviewing the cold weather safety tips below, and stay safe out there!

  • Check the weather daily
  • Beware of ice and walk slowly
  • Utilize Public Safety escorts when possible
  • Dress in layers – warm air gets trapped between the layers, keeping you warmer longer
  • Wear sunglasses – the sun reflects off of the ice and snow and can cause your corneas to burn, also known as “snow blindness”
  • Staying hydrated by drinking water can help keep you warm – being hydrated increases the amount of blood in your system which helps keep you warmer in cold temperatures
  • Drinking alcohol will make you feel artificially warm – if you’ve been drinking alcohol, make sure you’re with a group or let friends know when you’re leaving a bar/house and when you expect to be home
  • Know the signs of hypothermia
    • If you are showing symptoms of mild hypothermia (shivering, increased heart rate, rapid shallow breathing), get to a dry warm place and remove any wet clothing, then cover yourself with blankets and/or dry clothes (if you can avoid it, do not lay directly on the ground as this will increase the amount of heat lost through your skin)
    • If you or someone you are with is experiencing symptoms of severe hypothermia (becoming confused, trying to remove warm clothing, fatigued and/or loss of consciousness, weak pulse/breathing) seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1 as soon as possible
  • Beware of frostbite
    • If you experience frostbite (discoloration of the skin, skin feels numb or like “pins and needles” poking you) get into a warm area and gently rewarm the affected areas – DO NOT immerse frostbitten skin in hot water, it will cause your skin to burn
    • If you develop blisters in the frostbitten area, remain in pain after the tissue has returned to body temperature or lose feeling in the affected area, seek medical attention immediately

As always, call Public Safety at 612-330-1717 or use the Campus Shield app to report someone who may need help or is acting suspiciously

Augsburg Cancels Friday Evening Classes (starting 5 p.m.) and All Saturday Classes

Augsburg University has canceled evening classes that begin at 5 p.m. or later on Friday, January 17 and all classes White snowflake on red backgroundSaturday, January 18 on the Minneapolis campus because of heavy snow expected. Students are encouraged to consult the course Moodle site for additional information and alternative coursework from their instructors. No classes were scheduled during these times at the Rochester location.

Augsburg is not suspending normal operations. Employees should coordinate schedules and work arrangements with their supervisors as needed. Augsburg encourages students and employees to put their safety first when determining whether they will be able to travel to and from campus during inclement weather conditions.

Some facilities and services may have adjusted schedules. For information on specific campus facilities, services, and events, see Campus Facilities, Services, and Events Weather Update

Holiday Safety Tips from DPS

The Department of Public Safety would like to wish students, staff and faculty a safe and happy holiday season. Please take a moment to review these safety tips and consider while preparing to enjoy your time away.

Holidays and breaks are good times for relaxation and fun. However, it’s important to take a few minutes to prepare before you leave campus.
As distractions and time away from home increase, all types of crime occur more frequently. When preparing for the holidays, consider the following tips from the Augsburg Department of Public Safety:

Before leaving for break:
* Lock the doors and windows to your residence hall, house, apartment or office and take all keys with you.
* Take valuable personal property home with you. If you leave anything of value in your home or office, secure it in a locked closet or cabinet.
* Prepare your vehicle for any road trips and check for any safety issues like fluid levels or tire pressure.
* If you’re leaving a car on campus find a well-lit spot where you can park it, remove all valuables, and lock the doors.
* Store your bike in a legal, secure location using a U-lock.
* Talk to your roommates about when everyone is leaving and returning.
* Unplug all appliances including computers.
* Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave.
* If you stay on campus, keep an eye out for any suspicious activities and contact DPS if you see anything that causes concern.

Shopping safety tips:
DPS advises that shoppers be aware of their surroundings, keep an eye on people around them and shop with others. Being alone in an isolated or unlit area with expensive items and cash is potentially not safe.
* Avoid carrying and displaying large amounts of cash.
* Lock valuables, electronics and newly purchased items in the trunk of your vehicle.
* Park vehicles in well-lit areas and walk with other pedestrians. Have your keys in hand before walking to your vehicle.
* Keep cell phones stored away until you’re in your car; using cell phones can be distracting and high-value smartphones are a target for thieves.
* Only carry as many bags and packages as you can safely. Don’t overwhelm yourself with heavy items. Ask for assistance from store employees if needed.
* Place “high-value” brand bags in plain bags if possible. Thieves may target people holding bags that they believe have expensive items inside.
* If you feel uncomfortable, or see suspicious activity, return to the store immediately. Make a report to employees or security staff.

Augsburg University Classes Canceled Wednesday, November 27

Due to winter weather, Augsburg University has canceled daytime and evening classes on the Minneapolis campus Wednesday, November 27. Students are encouraged to consult the course Moodle site for additional information and alternative coursework from their instructors. No classes were planned for Wednesday at the Rochester location.

Augsburg is not suspending normal operations. Employees should coordinate schedules and work arrangements with their supervisors as needed. Augsburg encourages students and employees to put their safety first when determining whether they will be able to travel to and from campus during inclement weather conditions.

Some facilities and services may have adjusted schedules. For information on specific campus facilities, services, and events, see Campus Facilities, Services, and Events Weather Updates.