Safety remains a top concern for the campus community at The University of New Mexico. Each year, the annual Security and Fire Safety report offers an opportunity to review crimes that have occurred on campus and trends that might be associated with them.
The UNM Police Department publishes this report annually, as mandated by the federal Clery Act. The year’s report contains crime statistics and other safety information for the calendar year 2015 and, as required, compares it to data from the previous two years (2013, 2014). The report for 2015 shows several areas where UNM experienced an increase due in part to a continued campus-wide push toward awareness and prevention.
The 2015 report shows 88 auto thefts compared to 32 in 2014 and 44 in 2013. The spike in auto thefts is partially due to Clery reporting requirements. In 2015, a total of 64 vehicles were stolen and 24 vehicles were considered attempted thefts. Another area where reports more than doubled was burglary. In 2015, there were 49 reported burglaries up from 20 in 2014. There were 13 sexual assaults reported last year, compared to 12 In 2014, and 10 in 2013. Sixteen cases of fondling incidents were reported, up from seven in 2014.
The increases in auto theft cases are largely due to Clery reporting standards that require attempted auto thefts to be recorded as actual thefts. It is also reflective of a rise in auto thefts in the city and state. The increase in reported fondling cases can be attributed to better campus awareness efforts implemented by UNM to encourage reports of fondling.
“Through President Frank and his staff initiatives including LoboRESPECT and the Advocacy Center, we continue to educate the community on behavior that is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” UNM Police Chief Kevin McCabe said. “These efforts are resonating within the UNM community, leading to more awareness and reporting. The increases cause me great concern, which is one of the reasons patrolling of the campus and engaging with students, staff and faculty by my officers is a top priority.”
Additionally, reported cases of stalking in 2015 were down at 23 compared to 28 in 2014, but the numbers indicate that in the past stalking cases may have gone unreported. By adding stalking to Clery Reporting and through awareness campaigns, more attention is being given to the importance of contacting law enforcement if a person feels they are being stalked on campus.
Starting with 2014, the UNM Police Department was required to include incidents of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking. UNMPD added these three categories to the ASFSR report in 2013. Reported incidents of dating (five) and domestic violence (21) also saw slight increases indicating domestic violence remains a concern on campus.
Clery Coordinator Rob Burford, who worked to compile the statistics into the comprehensive report said, “These Safety Reports continue to become a more inclusive look at what campuses are doing across the country. Many like UNM are adding programmatic and preventative efforts involving safety and are more descriptive, not only of crimes reported, but also of campus policies relating to Clery Compliance.”
The report also shows statistics for violations of alcohol, drug and weapons laws that resulted in referrals for disciplinary action by UNM Residence Life and Student Housing, and the Dean of Students Office. Drug-related offenses referred for discipline fell markedly from 138 in 2014 to 89 in 2015; alcohol discipline cases remained steady at 277 (down four from 2014); while weapons referrals fell slightly from 11 in 2014 to seven in 2015.
The tables also show statistics for crimes on campus, including at UNM Student Residential Facilities, but also for crimes in Non-Campus Buildings or Property and Public Property, and UNM West. Federal regulations describe what those locations entail and the definitions can also be found at the bottom of the accompanying table.
In addition to its own reports, UNMPD also requests crime statistics information from the Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Santa Ana Pueblo and Kirtland Air Force Base.
Along with crime stats, the complete report also includes information about crime prevention programs; ways to report criminal activity; and campus policies on sexual assault, drugs and alcohol, and weapons. It also details fire statistics and fire safety information for UNM Student Residential Facilities as well as the University’s policy and procedures for resident students to provide a contact person in case a student is determined to be missing.
“This report is important in helping us learn more about trends in crime that could impact our students, staff, faculty and facilities,” said UNM President Robert G. Frank. “I recommend that everyone in our campus community take a few minutes to review its findings, learn more about preventing and reporting crimes, and join us in our efforts to make UNM as safe as possible.”
The view the report, visit: UNM Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for 2015. Individuals may also request a copy at the UNM Police Department.