Contact: Michael Padilla, 277-1816

October 24, 2002 Los Alamos Natives Help Keep UNM Safe Kathryn Murphy and Kathleen Hildebrand, Los Alamos natives and nursing majors at the University of New Mexico, strive to make UNM a safer place. Serving as student patrollers for the Student Patrol Division of the UNM Police Department, they offer services such as walking escorts, to augment the Security Department’s Escort Service, and usually work from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. The patrollers don “cherry red” shirts emblazoned with “UNM Student Patrol.” The students are equipped with radios, allowing them to be additional eyes and ears for the police. “I feel as though being a patroller is very important to the campus life,” said Murphy. “We are depended upon to help people get to classes with a feeling of security and safety.” Murphy said it is extremely important for students to be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking around the campus at night. She encourages students to not talk on cell phones or listen to head phones when walking around the campus alone after dark. “The thing I like best about the job is being able to walk the campus with a partner and help people with questions and escorts,” said Murphy. “It is also nice to help the police officers on campus when they ask for our support.” Hildebrand says she thinks that the student patrollers are making a difference at UNM. “I hope that students feel safer on campus because of us,” Hildebrand said. “I also enjoy the exercise and the social interaction with my coworkers.” The two agree they are fortunate to be part of a team making a difference at UNM. They said the people at student patrol are extremely friendly and accommodate their busy schedules and always understand that school comes first. UNM Police Commander Jay Daniels says UNM is fortunate to have such dedicated and motivated group of students serve as patrollers. “They are UNM students who have stepped up the to plate to make this community a safer place to live, work and play,” says Daniels. “They are out on campus daily checking the grounds for safety issues such as lighting and emergency phones. They are a dedicated group of students who are working hard to make everyone’s stay at UNM a safe one.” Murphy’s parents are Theresa and Ken Feller. Hildebrand’s mom is Mary Hildebrand. ###

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
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Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
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