After the Virginia Tech shootings two years ago this month, UNMPD updated campus security measures - including purchasing semiautomatic weapons - to protect students.
In consideration of violent incidents that have occurred on campuses nationwide, UNMPD officials updated their equipment and training and changed the way they respond to emergencies.
"Law enforcement throughout the country, including the UNM Police Department, recognized the needs for active shooter protocols that included semiautomatic weapons," says a statement from UNMPD.
Some officers now carry AR-15 semiautomatic rifles in the trunks of their vehicles, police officials said. UNMPD would not disclose how many officers carry the rifles.
The University bought the guns shortly after April 16, 2007.
"Gov. Bill Richardson established a task force to establish best practices for colleges and universities in New Mexico," UNMPD officials said.
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The initiative included buying equipment and training officers on what to do in the event of a shooter on campus, said Hector Terrazas, UNMPD spokesman.
The AR-15 rifles cost roughly $1,200 each, UNMPD officials said. They would not disclose how many the department purchased.
Funding for the equipment, including ammunition, comes from the University's Instruction and General fund, said Andrew Cullen, associate vice president for Planning, Budget and Analysis.
"The money allocated to UNMPD is determined in the regular budgeting process of the University," Cullen said in a statement. "The department determines how that money is used."
He said UNMPD is funded by the University, and the department's budget for the coming year is $2.8 million.
Senior Jazmen Bradford said she is glad UNMPD is preparing for campus emergencies but has concerns about officers' readiness.
"I worry how quickly they would be able to respond," she said.
Terrazas said UNMPD has 23 officers on staff who are available to respond to emergencies at any time.
UNMPD officials said not every officer is trained to use AR-15 rifles, but UNMPD strives to train all officers who are first responders.
"Persons on every shift are trained," UNMPD officials said.
Police officials said the weapons are available to officers in dangerous circumstances to prevent a shooter from harming anyone on campus.
"Whatever is necessary to neutralize a situation is what we will do," Terrazas said.
Junior Jenna Martinez said she feels safe on campus during the day but less comfortable at night.
"I don't really see them patrolling at night," Martinez said.
Officers monitor the UNM campus in shifts of three to five officers 24 hours a day, Terrazas said.
"Our vehicles are set up for potentially violent situations, and our training methods and protocols are always with us," he said.
Gabbi Campos / Daily LoboUNMPD bought an unspecified number of AR-15s, at about $1,200 each, to improve campus security after the Virginia Tech shootings in 2007.
Officers are required to carry their duty weapons when patrolling, Terrazas said. Each officer must qualify to carry a weapon, and qualification is based on proficiency, he said.
UNMPD officials said officers are often armed with shotguns and tasers. Officers are trained to use these weapons and reapply to use them annually.
"The training is free to UNM. Albuquerque Police Department provides the training," officials said.
Bradford said she doesn't mind tuition dollars going to UNMPD, and she is glad that there is adequate protection in case of an emergency.
"I am glad they have weapons and are trained to use them," she said. "I trust they know what they're doing."
