The University of New Mexico (UNM) President Garnett S. Stokes is encouraging students, staff and faculty to take advantage of the Rave Guardian app and other campus resources dedicated to increasing safety. 

“We all get distracted, so trust your instincts, pay attention to your surroundings, and report any suspicious activity or persons to UNMPD or a security officer,” she said in a campus-wide communication. “Recognition of blue light phone locations, group transit if possible and utilization of the Rave Guardian mobile personal safety app are precautions we can all adopt.”

iphone
The Rave Guardian app as it appears in the iTunes App Store

Downloading and using the Rave Guardian app allows you to contact UNM Police quickly, in case of an emergency. With the app open and GPS location services on, users can tap one button and immediately be connected with UNM Dispatch. The location feature allows police officers to quickly see where the distress call is coming from and act accordingly. With winter fast approaching, bringing shorter days and earlier nights, the Rave Guardian app is an ideal way to stay safe in the dark.

In addition, students, faculty and staff can submit tips to police, both on the record and anonymously. Reporting suspicious activity can help stop crime before it occurs.

The app also lets you identify friends as ‘guardians,’ sending alerts to a specified group if you don’t reach your destination within the amount of time entered in the app settings. 

Read more about the RAVE Guardian app here


The University of New Mexico sees campus safety as a top priority. This year, Campus Police launched a community policing campaign titled #UNMStrongerTogether. The initiative is designed to encourage more awareness of and participation in community policing on UNM Main, North and South Campuses.

Although students are given safety and security training during orientation, it’s always an appropriate time to revisit good safety tactics. As a reminder: 

  • Avoid walking alone at night. Try to walk in groups and in well-lit areas.
  • Walk purposefully, look confident and trust your instincts. 
  • Be aware of your surroundings and don't be distracted by cell phones, iPods or other electronics.
  • If you need help, use one of the blue light emergency assistance phones located throughout campus.
  • Never leave your property unattended in public places.
  • Lock all doors and close all windows when leaving your dorm or car, even if you're only going to be gone for a short time.
  • Remove anything from your car that may look valuable to a thief.
  • 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.
  • Secure your bike or motorcycle when leaving it unattended. Use the U-shaped high security lock whenever possible.
  • Never post private or compromising information on social networking sites.
  • Enroll in "Lobo Alerts" to receive important safety notifications in the event of a campus emergency.
  • If you are a victim of a crime or witness any crimes or suspicious activity, call UNM Police at 505-277-2241 immediately.

Our community of Lobos is truly stronger together. When we utilize tools and systems designed to protect the pack, we help to make our campus a better, safer place to live, work and learn, for all of us.