The University of New Mexico has started a new weekly series, “Lobos: United for Safety,” aimed at informing the campus community about safety initiatives, crime concerns, and resources available to help protect students, staff, and property. The series will run for two months and invites feedback or story suggestions from the UNM community.
UNM’s location along Albuquerque’s Central Avenue presents both opportunities and challenges. While the urban setting contributes to a vibrant campus life, it also brings increased safety concerns. A recent shooting in a university residence hall resulted in one death and another injury, highlighting ongoing security issues that are not unique to UNM but are common on campuses nationwide.
University officials stress that maintaining safety requires both institutional measures and individual responsibility. Byron Piatt, director of Crisis Management and Preparedness Department, said, “UNMPD does their part to prevent crimes, but to be safe and secure, every member of the campus community must take common sense precautions, be alert and look out for others. Maintaining an effective police department is a community effort, and together we can ensure UNM remains safe.”
Visible security features on campus include blue light phones, uniformed police patrols, key-card building access points, as well as expanded video surveillance and license plate readers. The university’s Emergency Management team emphasizes preparedness procedures at the start of each semester.
A central component of UNM’s safety strategy is LoboAlerts—a text messaging system used for emergency notifications. Piatt explained its role: “While it is the primary system utilized by the University, LoboAlerts is just one piece of the multi-faceted, campus notification system used to provide safety and inclement weather alerts, and notification of events which have the potential to threaten the University’s ability to conduct regular activities. The system also includes a warning siren, email alerts, campus safety website and social media updates.”
All faculty, staff, students, affiliates, and hospital employees are automatically enrolled in LoboAlerts upon joining UNM. Users are encouraged to update their contact information regularly so they receive timely notifications during emergencies.
Piatt recommends saving the numbers 26787 and 67283—used by LoboAlerts—in mobile address books for easy identification of emergency messages: “It is helpful to see a text message coming from ‘LoboAlerts’ rather than some unknown number,” he said.
In addition to serving those on campus through direct enrollment in LoboAlerts via Banner (the university’s administrative system), non-UNM individuals such as nearby business owners or parents can sign up for alerts through a dedicated community site. The next test of this notification system is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 11:02 a.m.
Another tool available is LoboGuardian—a mobile app launched in 2015 through collaboration between several university departments—which allows users to set virtual “safety timers,” report tips directly to police dispatchers or connect with friends while walking alone.
Traditional blue light phones remain installed across main and north campuses for immediate contact with police dispatchers during emergencies.
UNM maintains an updated campus safety website offering information on programs related to crime prevention as well as health counseling resources.
Despite technological investments in security infrastructure—including expanded mental health services—university officials emphasize that active participation from all members of the community remains essential. Piatt stated: “UNMPD works tirelessly to prevent crime but we also need every Lobo to take responsibility—by reporting suspicious behavior, watching out for friends and colleagues, and using the tools we’ve put in place. Safety is truly a shared effort.”
He added that keeping personal contact details current within emergency systems like LoboAlerts ensures everyone receives timely information when needed most: “Seconds matter in an emergency… But it only works if everyone keeps their information up to date.”
As classes resume this fall semester amid heightened attention on security measures following recent incidents near campus boundaries—the message from UNM leadership remains clear: safeguarding the university environment depends on collective vigilance among students, faculty members—and surrounding neighbors alike.
For more information about UNM’s emergency communication systems or how to participate in ongoing safety efforts visit [LoboAlerts Emergency Messaging](https://loboalerts.unm.edu/) or [LoboGuardian](https://loboguardian.unm.edu/).
If you see something suspicious or concerning on campus grounds call UNMPD immediately at 505.277.2241.
