INTRODUCTION
This report contains information regarding safety and security programs, policies, and procedures in place at the New Mexico State University, Las Cruces campus and the Doņa Ana Community College main campus. It complies with the requirements established by 20 USC 1092, also known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Select crime statistics from 2004 through 2006 required by this Act are included, but a more comprehensive listing of crime and traffic crash statistics from 1989 through 2006 is available on-line at http://www.nmsupolice.com/.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
The NMSU, Las Cruces campus is the home of over 21,000 students, faculty, staff, and residents during the school year. The Doņa Ana Community College’s main campus is located on the Las Cruces campus, adding another 7,500 students. These combine to make NMSU the equivalent of the 9th largest city in New Mexico.
Actually located outside the city limits, NMSU is also the largest land-grant university in the nation in terms of size, thanks in part to the Chihuhuan Desert Rangeland Research Facility, better known as the College Ranch, and a host of other facilities and campuses throughout the county. All totaled, there are over 105 square miles of “campus” in Doņa Ana County alone.
PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCIES AT NMSU
In the 1950’s, the university determined there was a need for its own police department. Since its inception over half a century ago, the NMSU Police Department has grown to become a highly trained and capable department that provides patrol, criminal investigation, and emergency dispatching services for the university. While most efforts are focused at the Las Cruces campus, the department also assists the other facilities around the state in preparedness activities, crime prevention programs, and special criminal investigations. The department has enforcement authority on all property controlled by the Board of Regents throughout the state, as well as concurrent jurisdiction is some neighboring areas under mutual aide agreements.
All police officers are completely trained, certified, and have full arrest powers. In addition, a number have specialized training and work with other agencies in the region. Some are assigned as members of the Sheriff’s Department special response team, while others are nationally certified handlers of explosives and drug detection dogs. A few also participate on regional response teams that investigate special crimes, as well as statewide task forces with a variety of state and federal agencies. All of this means the officers working on campus bring back a wealth of information and experience that are used to help ensure the university is on the cutting edge of safety and preparedness.
All dispatchers working in the university’s Emergency Dispatch Center are also fully trained and certified by the state. They answer the 911 calls coming into the center from campus, and dispatch police, fire, and emergency medical services. In addition, the dispatchers assist the greater community by helping the other public safety dispatch centers during times of crisis. During the floods of Hatch, NM in August 2006, NMSU dispatchers were on-scene for over 150 hours straight providing communications for the responding agencies.
In addition to its own police department, the university also has its own Fire and Emergency Services Department to provide fire protection and emergency medical response on the Las Cruces campus. While a team of full-time, experienced fire professionals lead the department, a large number of the calls are handled by student firefighters who are trained and certified as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and even hazardous materials technicians. This department is unique to NMSU, and it provides not only a rapid response to emergencies on campus, but also a great way for students to get experience and work their way through school. The Department also provides mutual aide support to the nearby fire departments whenever they need assistance.
While not a traditional public safety agency, the Environmental Health & Safety Office also works to ensure a safe environment at university facilities throughout the state. The staff provides safety training, assists with development of safety procedures, oversees laboratory safety and chemical waste disposal, assists with emergency planning and notification, and a host of other functions intended to help keep the campus safe.
NMSU also maintains its own Student and Employee Health Clinics to provide for the non-emergency medical needs of the community. The clinic system has full-time physicians and nurses, and offers X-ray, laboratory, and pharmacy services for students, faculty, and staff. It also provides travel shot services for those preparing for trips abroad, and is a partner in emergency preparedness with the New Mexico Department of Health.
SAFETY – EVERYONE’S BUSINESS
A campus community relies on a peaceful, safe, and secure environment. Preserving this environment is a responsibility everyone on campus shares. Members of the community are expected to be aware of policies and procedures of the university and to promptly report any crime or suspicious activity.
Everyone needs to also be conscious of personal safety. While the NMSU Police Department and other campus safety entities work to keep the campus safe, they cannot do so when people intentionally choose to engage in risky activity. Everyone is encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and avoid suspicious or dangerous situations whenever possible. Campus community members are also encouraged to follow common safety practices that include locking doors and windows, using seatbelts, and avoiding the over-consumption of alcohol.
SECURITY OF BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
The Las Cruces campus is relatively safe compared to other universities and cities its size. However, that does not mean it is crime free. Burglary and thefts occur more frequently than other crimes on campus, and students and staff are encouraged to always lock up valuables and not leave them unattended, as this contributes to a large portion of the thefts.
Most academic buildings at NMSU are open to the public during normal business hours (up to 10 pm for evening classes), including some on weekends. Administrative buildings are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. The libraries and certain buildings with computer labs post their hours of operation, with schedules that change throughout the school year to meet the needs of students and staff. Some are even open 24-hours a day, like the Police Department and Pete’s Place in the Corbett Center Student Union. However, buildings are closed when not in use.
Some residence halls (including Chamisa Village, Garcia Hall, Monagle Hall, Rhodes-Garrett-Hamiel Hall, and Piņon Hall) have exterior doors that are kept locked to help limit access for residents, while others (such as Cervantes Village, Vista Del Monte, and family housing) have doors that open directly to public areas. Guests at enclosed facilities should enter through the main lobby of those facilities. However, students living in any housing units are responsible for keeping doors to their individual rooms locked, and all residents share responsibility for helping keep exterior doors from common/public areas closed and locked. In addition, residents should never allow someone to follow them through a door, nor should they prop doors open to allow others to enter, even if just for a minute or two. Live-in staff members are located within the facilities to assist residents, as well as to help enforce housing regulations and university policy. If a lock or security device is not working properly, the resident assistants should be contacted immediately.
SAFETY PROGRAMS
The primary functions of the NMSU Police Department are law enforcement, criminal investigation, and emergency response. Integral to these are the crime prevention and public education programs the officers and crime prevention specialists teach on campus each year to help reduce the likelihood of crimes. These programs include:
ˇ Personal Self Defense: learn and practice techniques that can help stop an attack
ˇ Operation Identification: check out an engraver and learn how to mark and log down your valuable property
ˇ Traffic Safety Issues: refresh on the rules of the road and how to avoid problems
ˇ Rape Awareness & Prevention: learn about stranger, date, and acquaintance rape, and some ways to avoid situations common to rapes
ˇ Alcohol & Drug Awareness: learn the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body, and the dangers they can pose
ˇ Violence in the Workplace: learn about the causes of workplace violence and how to reduce its likelihood
ˇ Emergency Preparedness: learn how to prepare for emergencies
ˇ First Aid & CPR: learn how to treat medical emergencies until help arrives
ˇ RAD Kids: a safety program for young children
Programs are scheduled at the request of any on-campus and most off-campus groups or organizations. In addition, the Police Department works with others on campus (such as the Department of Housing and Residence Life) to design specific public education programs for the needs of each area. The NMSU Police Department also teaches segments of academic courses at the request of instructors and faculty. Courses are tailored for each audience, and range in length from 15 minutes to 8 hours. Further information, including a list of currently scheduled course, how to request a course, descriptions of the courses, or discussion of specific needs is available by contacting the NMSU Police Department at 646-3311. Additional information regarding safety can also be found at http://www.nmsupolice.com/ and safety.nmsu.edu.
People interested in the activities of the NMSU Police Department can find regular news reports on local radio and television stations, as well as articles in the local newspapers. The Round Up student newspaper also publishes stories on recent police reports taken by the NMSU Police Department. The NMSU Police Department experiences a high degree of cooperation from the local news media and issues press releases on cases of public interest. Police reports are also available for public review via the internet (registration is required to obtain a password). The NMSU Police Department also submits its crime statistics to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Uniform Crime Reports.
TIPS TO PREVENT CRIME
Mark or engrave all valuables (including textbooks), and keep a record of these in a safe place. Include their make, model, and serial numbers whenever possible.
If there are problems with your room that may affect security (such as doors that don't lock well or windows that open easily), let your RA or property manager know immediately.
Register your bicycle with the NMSU Police Department and always secure it to a bike rack on campus with a quality lock.
Lock the doors and windows to your room and your vehicle every time you leave. Do not leave valuables where they can be easily seen by someone passing by, even if it is just for a few minutes.
Always be aware of your surroundings and of any strangers near you. If someone is acting suspiciously, move away toward large groups and well lit areas.
Don’t leave valuables unattended in unlocked lockers, study areas, or classrooms.
Alcohol and drug use can reduce your ability to recognize a dangerous situation and your ability to defend yourself. If you are going to drink alcohol, do it legally, responsibly, in a safe place, and with people you can trust.
IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A CRIME . . .
If you are the victim of a crime while at NMSU, report it immediately to the NMSU Police Department. In case of emergency, call 911. For nonemergencies, call 646-3311. When you call, give your name, the location you are calling from, a brief description of what occurred, and whether the person who committed the crime is still in the area. Prompt reporting and specific information will increase the chances of solving your case. An NMSU police officer will be dispatched to meet with you and obtain all of the necessary information. If evidence from the crime is still intact, please do not move or destroy it. This is especially important in sexual assault cases. Showering, changing clothes, or grooming can destroy vital evidence.
Many students worry about reporting crimes to the police because they do not want to testify in a trial. Victims are nevertheless encouraged to at least contact the NMSU Police Department so they can be made aware of other services (counseling services, medical treatment, etc.) that might lessen the trauma of the incident. If the victim does not wish to pursue criminal charges, their wishes will be respected.
Students who are victims of crimes may also pursue recourse through the NMSU Student Judicial System. While this is not a substitute for the criminal justice system, it affords students the opportunity to have their side heard in a less formal environment. If an accused student is found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct, he or she may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from NMSU. Both the victim and accused will be afforded the same opportunities within the student judicial process, and both shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceedings alleging sexual assault. Students interested in this course of action may call the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs at 646-1722, or obtain further information in the NMSU Student Handbook or through the NMSU Police Department.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
The issue of sexual assault and other sexual misconduct is at the forefront in universities nationwide. NMSU specifically prohibits sexual misconduct and will assist victims in seeking counseling (available through the Counseling Center or several off-campus organizations), obtaining medical treatment (available through the Student Health Center and local hospitals), changing room assignments, making academic changes, and in any other way possible, including criminal prosecution through the District Attorney’s Office (if the victim so desires). Students, faculty and staff, and visitors are reminded that they can contact the NMSU Police Department for assistance at any time, and do not have to file an official police report in order to be helped. If a report is filed with the NMSU Police Department, it will be fully investigated with the findings being referred to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecutorial decisions.
A registry of convicted sex offenders is maintained by the State of New Mexico, and is available on-line at http://www.nmsexoffender.dps.state.nm.us/. As of August 31, 2007, there were no known sex offenders living on the NMSU campus based on a search of this database.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Use of alcohol is a concern with many high school and college students. While the average age of students attending NMSU, Las Cruces is 28, there are still a number of students and visitors below the age of 21 (the minimum age for consumption of alcohol in New Mexico). Alcohol is strictly prohibited for those below 21, and abuse of alcohol by anyone (to include use in unauthorized areas) is prohibited. The NMSU Police Department does arrest and/or cite for these offenses. Anyone caught selling or giving alcohol to a minor is guilty of a 4th degree felony in New Mexico. The Student Judicial Affairs Office also pursues administrative sanctions against those who violate university policies and state laws, with penalties ranging from mandatory education programs up to and including expulsion from NMSU.
In addition to alcohol, illegal drug abuse (to include prescription drug abuse) is a concern on college campuses. Use of any prohibited substance may result in criminal charges and administrative sanctions, up to and including expulsion from NMSU.
For those wanting to know more about the effects of alcohol and drugs, as well as issues like sexual assault, the WAVE (Wellness, Alcohol, and Violence Education) peer educator program is available to offer assistance. Counseling services are also available for those with substance abuse problems, and there are flyers and other information regarding drug and alcohol abuse available through a variety of locations on campus. Also, there are several academic courses related to drugs and alcohol offered each semester for those wanting to gain in-depth knowledge while also earning college credits. These courses can also be a great start for those wanting to pursue careers helping others with substance abuse problems.
OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE
New Mexico State University offers counseling services free of charge to students at the NMSU Counseling Center. The NMSU Counseling Center staff is comprised of well-trained professionals and can help students with a wide range of problems. Students interested should call the NMSU Counseling Center at 646-2731.
Students seeking counseling services off campus may obtain a list of the services available and their phone numbers by calling the NMSU Police Department. The NMSU Police Department can put students in touch with the La Piņon Rape Crisis Center, La Casa Shelter, Doņa Ana Victims’ Assistance, the Southwest Counseling Center, and numerous other public and private counseling services. Many of these are free of charge or are offered on a sliding fee scale.
For education about sexual assault and misconduct, policy development, and victims’ assistance issues, NMSU has given responsibilities to several departments and offices. Students with concerns or needing specific information are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students or the NMSU Police Department. NMSU works specifically toward the goal of reducing the incidence of sexual crimes and providing better services for those victimized. Special assistance for victims in changing academic and living arrangements is available through the Dean of Students.
Additional services exist throughout the community to deal with special problems. Students may contact the NMSU Police Department with their needs for referral to the appropriate people or organizations.
CRIME STATISTICS
The NMSU Board of Regents, the NMSU administration, and the NMSU Police Department strongly discourage any conduct that is illegal or that violates the rights of another individual. This specifically includes laws concerning possession, use, and sale of alcohol and illegal drugs. NMSU’s policies on alcohol use, drug use, and crime are located in the Student Handbook, including the Student Code of Conduct. (NOTE: Various drug or alcohol abuse education programs are sponsored by NMSU’s Police Department, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs Office, and the Human Resources Office.) The NMSU Police Department will make every effort to assist victims of crimes and to prosecute those responsible. The NMSU policies on alcohol use, drug use, and crime are found in the Student Handbook.
During the past three years, the following crimes and arrests were recorded by the NMSU Police Department:
2004 2005 2006
|
Murder |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
On campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
In residence facilities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus fraternities |
0 |
1* |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus public property |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Rape |
4 |
2 |
1** |
|||
|
On campus |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|||
|
In residence facilities |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|||
|
Off-campus fraternities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus public property |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Robbery |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|||
|
On campus |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|||
|
In residence facilities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus fraternities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus public property |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Aggravated Assault |
5 |
12 |
11 |
|||
|
On campus |
5 |
12 |
11 |
|||
|
In residence facilities |
2 |
6 |
5 |
|||
|
Off-campus fraternities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus public property |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Burglary |
49 |
38 |
41 |
|||
|
On campus |
49 |
38 |
41 |
|||
|
In residence facilities |
22 |
17 |
19 |
|||
|
Off-campus fraternities |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus public property |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Motor Vehicle Theft |
19 |
13 |
19 |
|||
|
On campus |
19 |
13 |
19 |
|||
|
In residence facilities |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus fraternities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus public property |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Arson |
2 |
5 |
3 |
|||
|
On campus |
2 |
5 |
3 |
|||
|
In residence facilities |
0 |
4 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus fraternities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Off-campus public property |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
* Not university related – bank robbery suspect shot by local police.
** A second rape was reported involving a male victim that does not meet UCR criteria for inclusion here. It is counted on the university’s more comprehensive listing of crime statistics, available at http://www.nmsupolice.com/.
[Bold = totals of on-campus crimes as reported to the UCR. Italics = breakout required by federal law (categories are not exclusive). Unless otherwise indicated, all crimes reported occurred on campus. Crimes occurring off campus are reported to the UCR by the agency of jurisdiction. There were no hate crimes or manslaughter cases reported from 2004 to 2006 on the NMSU campus.]
Arrests of Special Interest: 2004 2005 2006
|
Alcohol Violations |
8 |
78 |
193 |
|
On campus |
7 |
78 |
193 |
|
In residence facilities |
2 |
25 |
85 |
|
Off-campus fraternities |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Off-campus public property |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Campus disciplinary referrals** |
164 |
209 |
161 |
|
Campus disciplinary sanctions** |
129 |
393 |
309 |
|
Drug Abuse* |
8 |
39 |
59 |
|
On campus |
6 |
39 |
59 |
|
In residence facilities |
1 |
11 |
24 |
|
Off-campus fraternities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Off-campus public property |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Campus disciplinary referrals** |
34 |
45 |
49 |
|
Campus disciplinary sanctions** |
28 |
93 |
102 |
|
Weapon Possession |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
On campus |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
In residence facilities |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Off-campus fraternities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Off-campus public property |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Campus disciplinary referrals** |
0 |
4 |
10 |
|
Campus disciplinary sanctions** |
0 |
6 |
20 |
* Includes violations of the Controlled Substances Act.
** Numbers of referrals/sanctions may duplicate arrests already reported.
OFF-CAMPUS CRIME
Crime occurring off campus involving students or chartered NMSU organizations is reported to and handled by a variety of agencies, including the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doņa Ana County Sheriff’s Department, or other local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction. While the NMSU Police Department assists other agencies when asked pursuant to mutual aid agreements, the reporting and tracking of crime is done by the agency of primary jurisdiction. The university does not routinely monitor nor track incidents that are on private property or public property not owned by NMSU. Anyone wanting specific information on off-campus crime should contact the appropriate agency(s).
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Please help us in deterring crime on our campus by promptly calling the Police Department at 646-3311 or 911 (in case of emergencies) to report suspicious activity or safety problems. For non-urgent matters, you can also send an e-mail to police@nmsu.edu.
PHONE NUMBER REFERENCE GUIDE
NMSU Police Department - EMERGENCY 911
Nonemergency 646-3311
NMSU Fire Department Nonemergency 646-2519
ASNMSU Safe Walk Service 646-1111
Vice President for Student Affairs 646-1722
NMSU Student Health Center 646-1512
NMSU Employee Health Services 646-6600
NMSU Personnel Office 646-2420
NMSU Department of Housing and Residence Life 646-3202
NMSU Counseling Center 646-2731
(This site is maintained by the NMSU Police Department. Last updated August 31, 2007.)