The university does its best to make sure that your student is safe on campus. The Division of Public Safety & Security (DPSS) is a full-service law enforcement agency which serves the University of Michigan community, including the residence halls and the hospital. DPSS produces the Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report, which contains tips for staying safe on campus.
University of Michigan Police Department
UMPD police officers are licensed by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), and have full authority to investigate, search, arrest and use reasonable force, if necessary, to protect people and property under Michigan law and the U-M Regents’ Ordinance.
- Criminal Investigations
- K-9
- Parking Enforcement
- Patrol
- Special Victims
Housing Security & Safety Services
DPSS also includes Housing Security, a full-service, 24-hour public safety department with primary responsibility for ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents, staff and guests utilizing Michigan Housing residence halls, apartments, and facilities.
Housing Security:
- Performs security patrols by foot, bicycle, and vehicle
- Assigns dedicated security officers to residence halls
- Responds to criminal complaints and general assistance
- Conducts preliminary investigations in collaboration with the U-M Police Department
- Provides escorts and unlocks to residents
- Manages access control and security cameras
- Works closely with Michigan Housing to proactively provide education and training on crime prevention, fire safety and emergency preparedness
Night Time Transportation
In addition to DPSS, the university and the city of Ann Arbor offer many services to help students stay safe at night. Free university buses run throughout campus until midnight or later. There are also free or low-cost transportation services available to U-M students for both everyday use and emergency needs. You can find detailed information on the After Hours webpage.
Campus Crimes, Safety Tips, and Emergency Response
The most common crime on campus is larceny. DPSS encourages students to deter theft by securing property at all times. Items such as laptops, iphones, tablets, other electronic devices, and book bags are often targeted. Students can review the safety tips provided by DPSS on their website.
Students should contact DPSS in any emergency, to report crimes, and to report suspicious activity. DPSS is available 24 hours/day by calling 911 or 734-763-1131. Blue light phones around campus will connect directly to DPSS.
Encourage your student(s) to familiarize themselves with emergency response resources. These resources include information on fire safety, active attacker, severe weather, and more emergency situations.