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NMHU Police/Security Department

NMHU Police offers after-hours escort services for students, faculty and staff on campus.
Call 454-3278 to arrange an escort

We hope your time at Highlands University is enjoyable, successful and safe.  Of course, like any campus, Highlands experiences some level of crime.  The NMHU Police/Security Department wants you to have the information you need to feel safe and secure.  This brochure will help you better understand the following:
  • What is the role of NMHU Police/Security Department?
  • What types of crimes occur at New Mexico Highlands University?
  • How does the university respond to crime?
  • How can we prevent crime?
  • What happens if you become a victim?
However, anyone wanting specific information of off-campus crime should contact the appropriate agency.

NMHU Police/Security Department

The Police/Security Department is a full-service police agency, open 24 hours daily, during which time the administrative assistant or a dispatcher/telephone operator is available to provide assistance.  It is not simply a security force; rather, it is similar to a municipal police department for a small city.

Highlands police officers have enforcement authority on all property controlled by the Highlands University Board of Regents.  To accomplish this, police officers rely on and have a good working relationship with, all surrounding police agencies—federal, state, county and city.

The primary functions of the department is keeping the peace, law enforcement, criminal investigations, and emergency response.  Integral to these are the crime prevention and public education programs that the department sponsors, such as:
  • Rape awareness and prevention
  • Crime prevention and reduction
  • Alcohol and drug awareness 
  • Operation identification
  • Traffic and personal safety
In addition, the NMHU Police/Security Department works with other departments on campus to design specific training programs based on the needs of each area. Call the department for information on these programs.

The NMHU Police/Security Services publish its crime statistics yearly in accordance with the United States Department of Education and Clery Act of 1990.

Statistics: 

 YEAR

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Murder 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rape 0 0 0 0 1 0
Robbery 0 0 0 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault  5 4 6 1 4 1
Burglary 17 9 7 19 10 5
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0 1 0
Liquor Law 33 28 17 37 6 11
Disciplinary Actions*
Drug Law 23 22 21 12 7 12

Disciplinary Actions**
Weapon Possession 0 0 0 6 2 2
Arson 0 0 0 0 0 0
These numbers reflect reported incidents, not convictions.

*The increase in alcohol-related violations after 1990 reflects a different reporting method, one that includes incidents where alcohol is a contributing factor.

**Includes violations of controlled substance act.
For more information, contact the NMHU Police/Security. Additional information is available free of charge and can be mailed if requested, or picked up at the headquarters at 11th and Baca Streets.

Safety is Everyone’s Concern

A campus community relies on a peaceful, safe and secure environment.  Preserving this environment is a responsibility everyone must share.  Campus community members are asked to be aware of university policies and procedures and to report any crime or suspicious activity.

Everyone needs to be realistic about personal safety.  While the NMHU Police/Security Department strives to keep the campus safe, it cannot do so if people intentionally choose to engage in risky activity.  Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding suspicious or dangerous activity can help keep you out of trouble.

NMHU Police on Criminal Activity

The Highlands University Board of Regents, the administration and the NMHU Police/Security Department will not condone any conduct that is illegal or that violates the rights of another individual. The NMHU Police/Security Department will make every effort to assist victims of crimes and aid in the prosecution of those responsible. The Highlands policies prohibiting alcohol use, drug use and criminal behavior may be found in the NMHU Code of Student Conduct (available from the office of VP- Dean of Students).


Other Helpful Phone Numbers

On-Campus Emergency (on-campus phones)     5555 
On-Campus Emergency (on cell phones)     505-454-3278
                        Non Emergency       454-3278
Las Vegas Police Department      505-425-7504
San Miguel County Sheriff            505-425-7589
New Mexico State Police               505-425-6771

NMHU Services     
Counselling Services                  505-454-3188
Health Center                               505-454-3218
Housing & Student Conduct     505-454-3193
VP-Dean of Students                  505-454-3020
Facilities Management              505-454-3260
TTY (8am-5pm)                           505-454-3003
NMHU is an AA/EEO institution.  For disabled access or services, call 454-3252 or TDD# 454-3003
Copyright © 2010 New Mexico Highlands University

Contact Highlands
Mailing address
Box 9000
Las Vegas, NM 87701
Main Campus: 877.850.9064
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