by Jeremy Hunt
Daily Lobo
UNM Police spokesman Lt. Pat Davis said the University is prepared to handle a school shooting.
"Our officers are trained as first responders to any crimes of violence," he said.
A shooting at Montreal's Dawson College left two dead, including the gunman, and 19 wounded on Sept. 13.
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Five Duquesne University basketball players were shot Sunday while leaving a party on campus. Three of them remain in the hospital, one in critical condition.
UNMPD has plans of action in the event of a shooting on campus, but Davis declined to give any details. He said doing so would compromise their ability to handle the situation.
Student Christopher Murphy said he is not so confident that UNM Police are prepared.
"I think there'd be a lot of chaos," he said. "A lot of people would be running away. It might be easy for somebody, if they were shooting, to blend in."
Davis said UNM Police meet national standards for response to emergencies and have backup.
"We're on call and protocol with APD and other agencies, if we need their assistance," he said.
UNMPD has prepared for emergency situations and trains for them every year, Davis said.
"We've undergone drills. Our officers are trained that way," he said. "We've implemented our plan on a number of drills that our officers are aware of, so we're confident that we're able to respond appropriately."
Davis said UNM Police keep campus secure by staying informed about the community.
"We give our officers daily briefings about things that are going on," he said. "So, all of our officers are aware of ongoing threats, ongoing situations, and we have those liaisons with APD and the FBI, so we know what's happening with other agencies around the nation."
Student Aubrey Rimer said she feels completely safe on campus and has never felt threatened.
"The environment seems safe," she said. "There's friendly people."
The University is one of the safest areas in the city, Davis said.
"UNM enjoys the lowest crime rate of any neighborhood in Albuquerque," he said. "We're very proud of that."
Davis said the most important thing students can do for their safety is to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity and people to UNM Police.
"Let us, or a counselor or somebody know, so we can become aware and keep an eye on it," he said.
If there is a violent situation, Davis said students should take shelter or leave the area if it is safe to do so.
