The University of Northern Iowa reports crime to community, state and federal officials according to standards established by the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting System and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

The Clery Act requires that the University annually publish statistical information regarding certain crimes reported to the UNI Department of Public Safety, Residence Hall Coordinators, the Associate Vice President for Educational and Student Services, and the Coordinator of Student Organizations and Activities. To make sure the university's crime statistics are as inclusive as possible, the University also canvasses offices and departments that may, by virtue of their roles in resolving disputes and grievances, have knowledge of policy violations that should be included in the campus crime statistics. Crime statistics are also requested of community law enforcement agencies for designated non-campus buildings and public property and are included in the campus crime report when made available.