Students count on UNMPD to protect them from burglars and other dangers in the middle of the night, and the department responds to many such incidents.
UNMPD relies on student patrols, which walk the University campus during the night to report suspicious happenings, said UNMPD spokesman Hector Terrazas.
"When they are out there, they are eyes and ears for the police department," Terrazas said. "They don't get involved with anything, but if they see something suspicious or if they see something that they think we should look into, they give us a call."
Security supervisor Rosemary Melendrez said the student patrol staff consists of six male University students. Men and women are welcome to apply.
With the department looking to hire police officers, the student patrols help fill those holds, she said.
"We are down officers, and they help to assist us in areas that we need," she said.
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Terrazas said the student patrol program was established 12 years ago.
Student Melanie Marquez said she feels safe knowing students patrol the University at night.
"I know my sister has a class late at night, and it is kind of scary walking by yourself as a female and just having that comfort there (that) if somebody comes and tries to attack you, that person will see it," she said.
Melendrez said student patrol officers have the option of staying and waiting for police after reporting an incident, or leaving.
"It's whatever the student is comfortable with," she said. "We just report to the officer, 'This is what's going on. I'm leaving the area because I don't feel comfortable.'"
Melendrez said the patrol officers are not trained to deal with emergencies.
Student patrol officers helped catch a wanted suspect this month when they spotted his truck parked on the embankment in front of Hokona Hall, Melendrez said.
The student patrols also escort students to where they need to go on campus. Melendrez said about five to 10 students are escorted each day.
Melendrez said the patrols also provide students with a jumpstart if their car battery dies, which happens three to four times a day.
