SAFETY: YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Your safety and security are of prime concern at The University of New Mexico and we at the UNM Police Department are working hard to ensure the campus is a safe place to live, learn, work and play. UNM is not, however, exempt from crime. We are doing our part to prevent crimes, but to be safe and secure, YOU must take common sense precautions, be alert and look out for others. Maintaining an effective police department is a community effort, and together we can ensure UNM remains safe.

UNM: PART OF A LARGER COMMUNITY

The University of New Mexico Main Campus located in Albuquerque, New Mexico is a community of approximately 24,000 students and 13,000 permanent faculty and staff. Visitors come to our campus to attend lectures, symposia, concerts, plays, sporting activities and other events. Our 769-acre campus is surrounded by the City of Albuquerque, a metropolitan area with approximately 640,000 residents. Even with our large and constantly changing population, we have maintained an extremely low crime rate.

MISSION

The mission of the University of New Mexico Police Department is to provide the University with exceptional police services for the preservation of human rights and the protection of people and property. These services will be provided with an emphasis on proactive measures, minimizing the need for reactive responses. We will strive for positive interaction with outside agencies and maintain a strong, cooperative relationship with the community by respecting differences and fostering a better understanding through communication.

HOW UNM PROTECTS YOU

The UNM Police Department is here to protect you and offers numerous services to ensure your safety.

The UNM Police Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to your needs. All UNM police officers are required to meet state certification standards mandated by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.

UNM Police officers are commissioned by The University of New Mexico Board of Regents (Section 29-5-2 NMSA 1978 (1997 Repl.)). They have full power of peace officers on campus, including the authority to enforce all applicable laws, ordinances and campus traffic regulations, and the authority to arrest. Officers are also commissioned through the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department.

The UNM Police Department investigates complaints of on-campus criminal activity, working closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure effective prosecution. Through an agreement with the Albuquerque Police Department, UNM Police enforce Federal and State laws and regulations in the fraternity/sorority and student housing areas.

UNM Police encourage students, faculty, staff and visitors to promptly report all crimes. Crimes occurring on campus should be reported to UNM Police at 277-2241. Crimes committed off the UNM Campus should be reported to the appropriate police agency (Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, etc.).

In an emergency you may dial 911. The 911 system automatically traces the location of all calls, which enables officers to respond even when a caller cannot provide the location. When you are on campus and dial 911, your call will be received by The UNM Police Department, and if you are off-campus, the call will be received by the Albuquerque Police Department. Outside of the Albuquerque Metro area, you will reach the appropriate law enforcement agency where the 911 System is utilized.

Special telephones providing emergency services for the deaf are placed at various locations on the UNM campus. The University Police Department is equipped with a Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD), 277-0888 for 24-hour service.

Emergency telephones which are direct lines to the Police Communications Office are located throughout the UNM campus. You may use the emergency telephone by opening the telephone box and pressing the button. The Police Dispatcher will answer the telephone promptly, and you will be able to relate the nature of your emergency. Also, a blue light over the telephone will flash for the duration of the call to assist emergency personnel in locating the caller. We ask that you call 277-2241 to report non-emergencies. Emergency telephones will not enable you to make calls other than directly to the Police Dispatcher as an EMERGENCY.

If the UNM Police Department receives information that a crime has occurred which represents a continued threat to the campus community, notices and instructions will be delivered to students and employees in an effort to prevent similar crimes. Information will be conveyed through the campus newspaper, The Daily Lobo; through electronic communications such as the UNM News Minute, Inside UNM and e-mail alerts; and orally or through other appropriate means.

CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS

We also offer several crime prevention programs designed to keep you safe. Services are available free of charge.

• ALARM SYSTEM:
  We operate a computerized intrusion and fire alarm system to monitor facilities throughout campus to enhance personal and building security.
• BICYCLE REGISTRATION:
  The Police Department strongly recommends that everyone operating a bicycle at UNM have it registered. Registration is free and valid for four years. Bicycle registration is available at the Police Department.
• CRIME PREVENTION MATERIALS:
  Free brochures and other documents regarding crime prevention are available at the Police Department and other campus locations.
• CRIME PREVENTION PRESENTATIONS:
  We conduct crime prevention presentations at new student orientations and other events.
• CRIME STOPPERS:
  Anyone who has witnessed or has information about a crime should call UNM Crime Stoppers at 277-STOP (277-7867).
• ESCORT SERVICE:
  We provide 24-hour escort service from the University, either on foot or in a vehicle within a one-mile radius of the University campus. Assistance is available for stalled vehicles or keys locked in vehicles. For escort service call 277-2241.
• LOST AND FOUND:
  The Police Department operates the main lost and found service for the University.
• OPERATION IDENTIFICATION:
  We participate in the Operation Identification Program. For assistance, phone 277-2241.
• VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
  Contact 841-7274.
• PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES:
  Parking and Transportation Services provides lighted shelters at bus stops and offers a reliable shuttle bus system throughout the campus from remote parking areas. For additional information, call 277-1930.
• CAMPUS SAFETY COMMITTEE:
  A Campus Safety Committee has the responsibility to study and to make recommendations on improving campus safety. Safety suggestions should be submitted in writing and turned in to the Dean of Students Office, Room 280 at the Student Services Center, or call 277-3361.
• ACCESS TO CAMPUS FACILITIES:
  We strive to make our campus safe by limiting access to buildings after hours. Buildings on campus are generally open during regular business hours, when class is in session and for special events. Persons authorized to remain in a building after closing time are required to have proper identification at all times. Police and security personnel conduct frequent internal and external checks of buildings on campus.

Entry to Student Family Housing is controlled by code access through an electronic gate. Security guards are on duty during the evening hours to ensure the safety and security of the complex and residents.

UNM maintains eight residence halls on campus. Residence halls are secured at 7 p.m. and entry is controlled by key access. Visitation policies vary from one residence hall to another. A professional staff member is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Student Residence Center desk.

Resident advisors are available around the clock in each residence hall to assist students. Further information can be obtained from the Residence Hall Handbook. New residents are briefed on University policies and crime prevention techniques at an orientation/floor meeting held at the start of each semester.

CRIME REPORTING

The UNM Police Department encourages anyone who is the victim or witness to any crime to promptly report the incident to the police. Because police reports are public records under state law, the UNM Police Department cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. Confidential reports for purposes of inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics can generally be made to other UNM campus security authorities, as identified below. Confidential reports of crime may also be made to UNM Crime Stoppers at 277-STOP (277-7867).

The UNM Police Department compiles and reports annual crime statistics to inform the University community about crime and related problems. Statistics are gathered from UNM Police Department reports and through consultation with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department, where appropriate. UNM also consults with other campus security authority offices to compile crime statistics including the Dean of Students Office, Residence Life Office, Student Activities Center, University Hospital, School of Medicine, UNM Research Park, UNM athletics team coaches and chartered student organization advisors. Reports of crimes made to these offices are also disclosed in the annual crime statistics.

Tables 1a through 3a contain 2000 crime statistics. Table 1a shows crimes on campus reported to the UNM Police Department. Table 2a shows crimes reported to other campus security authorities and off-campus crime reported to the Albuquerque Police Department. Table 3a shows referrals for campus disciplinary action of cases of alcohol, drug and weapons law violations.

Tables 1b through 3b contain 1999 crime statistics. Table 1b shows crimes on campus reported to the UNM Police Department. Table 2b shows crimes reported to other campus security authorities and off-campus crime reported to the Albuquerque Police Department. Table 3b shows referrals for campus disciplinary action of cases of alcohol, drug and weapons law violations.

Table 4 contains crime statistics for 1998.

SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY

The University of New Mexico recognizes the harm caused by sexual assault and the need to educate the University community regarding this issue. The University of New Mexico Sexual Assault Policy can be found on-line at http://www.unm.edu/~sac/policies.html#sap.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

The University of New Mexico policy on illegal drugs and alcohol clearly states the standard for a Drug-Free, Alcohol-Free campus. UNM's Policy on Illegal Drugs and Alcohol can be found on-line at http://www.unm.edu/~sac/policies.html#ponida. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances or alcohol on UNM property as part of any activity by any member of the University community -faculty, staff, or student - is strictly prohibited. Federal and State Laws relating to controlled substances and alcohol are enforced by the UNM Police Department. The University enforces the State of New Mexico underage drinking laws and therefore does not permit the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by people under the age of twenty-one.

As a condition of employment or enrollment, all UNM employees and students are required to abide by the terms of the policy. Violation of the policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including employee dismissal or student expulsion and/or participation in an approved substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation program.

Recognizing the dangers of substance abuse in the work place, UNM uses alcohol and drug-free awareness programs to inform the community of the issues and risks of substance abuse. Numerous counseling and treatment resources are also available, including:

• AGORA CRISIS CENTER
  This organization offers a free hot-line crisis counseling service available by telephone and on a walk-in basis (call first). Phone 277-3013.
• CENTER ON ALCOHOLISM, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTION (CASAA)
  Phone 768-0150.
• COUNSELING, ASSISTANCE AND REFERRAL SERVICE (CARS)
  located at 1800 Mesa Vista Rd. NE, offers general counseling services, mediation and team building. Phone 272-6868
• DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC
  located at 1716 Las Lomas NE is open to UNM and the general public. Phone 277-5164.
• STUDENT HEALTH ASSESSMENT, PREVENTION AND EDUCATION (SHAPE)
  located at the Student Health Center, Room 155A, offers assessment, evaluation and referrals to students using or affected by alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Phone 277-1899.
• UNM MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LINE
  (24 hour service) Phone 247-1121.
• WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER
  located at Mesa Vista Hall, Room 1160 provides counseling, information and referrals. Phone 277-3716.
• ALBUQUERQUE RAPE CRISIS CENTER
  located at 1025 Hermosa SE offers counseling and victim advocacy on a 24-hour basis. Phone 266-7711.
• WELLNESS CENTER
  located in Mesa Vista Hall, Room 3060, offers lifestyle behavior change and health counseling. Phone 277-3722.

WEAPONS POLICY

With very few exceptions, employees, students and visitors are not permitted to use or possess weapons on any part of the campus. A weapon includes, but is not limited to: firearms; ammunition and other dangerous weapons, substances, or materials; and bombs, explosives, or incendiary devices. Persons who have such weapons in their possession must deposit them with the Police Department for the duration of their stay at UNM. Any person failing to comply will become subject to appropriate disciplinary and/or criminal action. The UNM Weapons Policy is printed in its entirety in The UNM Pathfinder which is available in the Dean of Students Office (Student Services Center) and the Student Activities Center (Student Union Building). The UNM Weapons Policy will be found at http://www.unm.edu/~sac/policies.html#weapons.

SAFETY TIPS

We have instituted many programs at UNM to ensure your safety while on campus, but safety really begins with you. The following are some tips to help protect yourself from crime:

• If you go out for a late night snack or study break, go with a friend, not alone.
• Walk purposefully. Look confident. Watch where you are going. Be alert to your surroundings.
• Use well-lighted, well-traveled routes. Avoid short-cuts through isolated areas.
• Lock all doors and close all windows when leaving your car, whether it is for a few minutes or for several hours.
• Have keys ready when you approach your car. Check the car for intruders before entering and lock your door immediately after getting into your car.
• Always lock your bike or motorcycle when leaving it unattended, even if it is only for a few minutes. Use the U-shaped high security lock whenever possible.
• If you witness a crime, call UNM Police immediately.
• List only first initials and last name in telephone directories.
• Hang up immediately on obscene telephone calls.
• Don’t keep large sums of money in your office, dorm room, study area or apartment.
• Lock doors and windows, even if you are just going out for a minute. If you are a victim of a crime or become aware of any suspicious circumstances, call UNM Police immediately.

PHONE NUMBERS TO CALL

• UNM Police Department
  Emergency: 911
  Non-emergency: 277-2241 TDD: 277-0888
• Escort Service: 277-2241
• Parking Services: 277-1938
• Dean of Students: 277-3361
• Student Health Center: 277-3136
• Housing & Food Services: 277-4707
• APD Non-Emergency: 242-COPS (2677)
• Information: 768-2020
• Bernalillo County Sheriff Non-emergency: 768-4160

Contact us:
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981
paaffair@unm.edu

The University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
General Information: (505) 277-0111