by Ryan Floersheim
Daily Lobo
UNM officials say campus safety has always been a major concern, but this year they want students to become more involved with protecting the UNM community.
According to UNM's Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, several organizations across campus are working on new, innovative ways to make UNM as safe as possible.
Many may wonder how safe and secure the UNM campus is.
Crime and prevention
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"Despite the fact that we have over 40,000 visitors to our 769-acre campus daily, we have maintained an extremely low crime rate," said UNM Police Department Commander James Daniels. "However, there are no magic walls around our campus to keep outside problems from bleeding in."
According to UNMPD safety statistics, during 2000-2001, the most reported crime was burglary, with an average of 78 a year. Motor-vehicle theft was second with an average of 51 incidents a year.
Daniels said the police department's safety and security brochure is a good place to start when looking for information and tips about campus safety and security.
"We strongly urge everyone to look at it, as it outlines all the necessary phone numbers and safety tips that every student should know, as well as the programs and steps that have been taken to improve safety, and instructions on how to use them." he said.
In addition to the campus police force, the University is doing what it does best to help students - educate.
"There are also crime prevention presentations and materials available to anyone on campus," said Rob Dunnington, campus safety manager. "We have UNM Crime Stoppers in place with the sole purpose of cutting down on crime on our campus, as well a 24-hour escort service that provides assistance anywhere within one mile of campus."
Security
Police officials said security on campus is also an important issue. One way the department secures campus is by an integrated electronic alarm system meant to keep trespassers out and University property and personnel safe.
According to the police department, that system includes security and fire alarms in each of the 360 buildings on campus.
This system is also linked to the 79 emergency phones located across campus that put callers directly in touch with police dispatch. Blue light phones assist emergency personnel by automatically providing the exact location of calls as well as convenient locations for those who are in need.
Many students said they feel that the University is doing its job by making campus secure.
"I have noticed an increase in lighting and emergency phones," said Jana Decker, a sophomore art history major. "I feel that UNM is doing everything they can to make us feel as safe as we can and allow us to focus on school."
Students know that UNM's location is also a factor in its safety and security.
"We all know that UNM is in a bad location," Oscar Brumley, a freshman Engineering student said. "They are doing an excellent job with the resources they have to work with."
UNMPD Commander James Daniels suggested that students "use common sense when walking on campus at night.
"By walking with someone else as much as possible, always telling someone else where you are going, and avoiding dimly lit or unpopulated areas, students greatly improve their safety," he said.
Open Campus
Another problem that has become an issue is the number of people not affiliated with UNM who have begun frequenting the area.
"The fact that we are next to Central Avenue contributes to these problems," Daniels said. "Many people see our campus as a place to do things other than learn."
When asked for tips on what to do if confronted by someone asking for money or something else, Daniels suggested politely refusing.
"If we all make it a point not to help, eventually anyone looking for help will move on," he said.
Daniels added that since UNM is an open campus, until someone has broken a law, they cannot be removed or told to leave the area.
Get involved
Above all, officials stress that safety is an issue everyone should be concerned about, but more importantly, everyone should be involved with it.
"Last week we had an open meeting with the campus safety committee for students to voice their opinions and suggestions, and not one student showed up," Dunnington said.
Without feedback from the community, University officials are handicapped when establishing proactive measures to help all those on campus.
"We rely on students to provide feedback for us to decide which safety measures are working and which need improving," Dunnington said. "Without their input, there is little we can do to improve the safety that exists here at UNM."
