ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — After the tragic shooting on the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus that took the life of 14-year-old Michael LaMotte and injured a 19-year-old student, university officials are taking strong actions to address security concerns.
In a recent press conference, UNM leaders shared that over the past five years, they have invested more than $20 million in campus safety. This funding has gone towards various improvements including better lighting in parking areas, more security cameras, controlled building access, and training for safety officers. They also mentioned acquiring a former Motel 6 to enhance campus security.
UNM President Garnett Stokes emphasized that the recent shooting has led to a detailed review of security practices on campus. They are particularly looking into policies regarding guest entry into residence halls. One issue identified was confusion about who is allowed in student housing.
“Three individuals who were not enrolled in the university were invited into one of our residence halls,” Stokes noted. The university is now exploring ways to restrict access while ensuring that students feel safe and welcome.
Currently, the student housing handbook states that only UNM students can stay overnight as guests. However, discrepancies exist in how this policy is enforced across different dorms. Executive Vice President Teresa Costantinidis pointed out that definitions of a guest can vary, complicating enforcement.
Another area of concern is the emergency alert system. Many students and staff reported that they did not learn about the shooting or the following shelter-in-place orders until much later. UNM acknowledged this issue and plans to improve communication during emergencies.
The recent shooting is part of a troubling pattern of violence on campus. Earlier this year, two residents were shot during a party at the Lobo Village, and a student was stabbed multiple times at a birthday event. Additionally, at least two other weapons-related incidents have happened in student housing since December.
With growing safety worries, these efforts and changes are vital for creating a secure environment for students. A comprehensive review of protocols and improved communication will be key in addressing these recent challenges.
For more information on campus safety measures and updates, you can check reports from reliable sources like The Santa Fe New Mexican and KOAT.
Source link
access control,dorm security,emergency notification,policies and procedures,school shooting,visitor management
