University of New Mexico to Add More Security Cameras
"All the cameras that we're installing will feed back to the UNM Police Department," UNMPD Security Director Randy Irwin said. These cameras are being installed in busy parts of the campus and around the campus perimeter.
- By Jessica Davis
- November 26, 2018
The University of New Mexico has been struggling with crime on campus, including more car thefts than any other campus in the country. To try and solve this problem, the university is investing millions of dollars into security upgrades, including the installation of surveillance cameras.
"All the cameras that we're installing will feed back to the UNM Police Department," UNMPD Security Director Randy Irwin said. These cameras are being installed in busy parts of the campus and around the campus perimeter.
Irwin said the school is requesting $3 million from the legislature to install 235 cameras at surface parking lots on the campus.
"It has been an ongoing project," Irwin said. "It takes a good deal of time to do assessments and design for all of the parking lots around campus."
The requests for funding are part of UNM President Garnett Stoke’s initiative to increase security across the entire campus. The school allocates $500,000 a year in annual funding for upgrades to security, used for projects like extra lighting around campus or paying for the new security director.
The university won’t know until the next legislative session if its request for parking lot camera funds will be granted. UNM wants to hire more police officers but is still evaluating how many officers it can pay for. According to the school, the campus police department has fewer than 10 officers.
UNM hopes to finish installing the on-campus video surveillance by the summer. According to Irwin, before the most recent new cameras, the university had about 500 cameras installed at campus buildings and more in parking garages.
About the Author
Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.