Emergency phone numbers:
- On-campus emergency (campus phones) 5555
- On-campus emergency (cell phones) 505-454-3278
- Emergency mobile dispatch (505) 429-5115
- Non-emergency 505-454-3278
- Las Vegas Police Department 505-425-7504
- San Miguel County Sheriff 505-425-7589
- New Mexico State Police 505-425-6771
- Hazardous Materials Safety documents (web page)
Who We Are:
The Police/Security Department is a full-service police agency, open 24 hours daily. It is not simply a security force; rather, it is similar to a municipal police department for a small city.
The primary functions of the department are 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 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 Highlands Police/Security Services publish its crime statistics yearly in accordance with the United States Department of Education and Clery Act of 1990.
What We Do:
We offer police reports, investigative services, crash reports, security checks, motorist assists, and door unlocks (buildings), for all the campus community. We also have a work-study and internship program for students interested in a law enforcement career. We also provide safety awareness presentations.
Helpful Links:
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 Highlands 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.
Highlands Police on Criminal Activity
The Highlands University Board of Regents, the administration and the Highlands Police/Security Department will not condone any conduct that is illegal or that violates the rights of another individual. The 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 Highlands Code of Student Conduct (available from the Office of the Dean of Students).
Other Highlands Services
- Counseling Services 505-454-3085
- Health Center 505-454-3218
- Housing & Student Conduct 505-454-3193
- Dean of Students 505-454-3020
- Facilities Management 505-454-3260
FAQs:
Q: Why is police dispatch answering the phone when I’m trying to get in touch with another department or office?
A: All phone calls to the university after hours and on holidays or breaks are routed into the police dispatch.
Q: Do you provide rides?
A: No. Because of liability restrictions we cannot provide rides. The only persons we can transport are people who fall into the scope of our duties as police and security, investigative or emergency call for service etc.
Q: Can you open my residence hall door or my office?
A: Yes we can. For a residence hall, there is a procedure that will be explained by the dispatcher. For an office, we will, provided it is an office we have access to and also for any emergency situations.
Q: Can we smoke on campus or is there a smoking area on campus?
A: No. Highlands is a smoke-free campus. There are no specific designated smoking areas; however, there is no smoking within 25 feet of a building or in occupied public areas.
Q: Can we drink alcoholic beverages on campus?
A: No. Highlands is a drug-free campus, however, there are special permitted events where alcoholic beverages can be allowed as per state statute.
Highlands is an AA/EEO institution. For disabled access or services, call 505-454-3252.