CNM Named New Mexico’s Safest College Campus

Campus safety is CNM’s most important priority. Our Security team works 24/7 to ensure that students, faculty and staff feel as safe and secure as possible while on CNM property.

In a recent study conducted by Yourlocalsecurity.com, CNM earned the distinction of being the Safest College Campus in New Mexico.

The study was based on data collected from the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security analysis and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. According to the study, a total of 435 schools across the country were analyzed using four main factors to determine campus safety: hate crimes per enrolled students, violence against women per enrolled females, property crime per population and violent crime per population.

“Academics will always be at the heart of college selection, but campus and personal safety can ensure a more secure and rewarding educational experience,” the study states.

 Security officers at CNM are spread out across all campuses on foot, on bicycles and in official security vehicles to better protect our community. And they’re not only here to observe and protect – they’re also here to interact and build connections with students, employees and visitors.

“We have our ‘Hello Campaign,’ where our officers are required to stop and have a conversation with students, staff, faculty and visitors on campus,” says Chief of Security John Corvino. “This really helps us cultivate a better sense of community. By embedding ourselves within the community, we are fostering a safer learning and working environment for everybody.”

By constantly saying “Hello” to folks around campus, the officers create a positive presence and make themselves available and approachable. Last year, the Security Department was tracking the number of “hellos” said each week and had a celebration when they hit 150,000.

Additionally, our Security team offers services like walking people to their cars at night and changing flat tires. CNM’s official dispatch center on Main Campus serves the entire college. Highly-trained operators are ready to handle any situations that come their way, and they have quick access to local police departments when necessary.

“We are all very proud to be recognized as the safest college campus in New Mexico,” says Chief Corvino. “It’s truly a team effort, from our admin team to our leadership, we are constantly working on ways to improve safety and security here.”

The Security Department has made big changes over the last five years. They have doubled the number of security cameras that are on campuses and have strategically implemented policies that help reduce burglaries and theft.

The “Be a Meercat” campaign came about through one of CNM’s “Protect Yourself” seminars, which taught people how to always be aware of their surroundings and how to avoid being the victim of crime by frequently looking over your shoulder like a meercat.

In 2018, CNM Security hosted a “Campus Safety Awareness Week” that included five days of helpful safety seminars, such as a “Don’t Be a Victim” workshop, a VIN number etching event, a texting and walking obstacle course, and open forums for asking security officers any questions regarding campus safety and security.

Chief Corvino also emphasized that CNM has great relationships with local law enforcement, including the Albuquerque Police Department and the FBI.

“We have quite a few people in our Security Department who come from a background in law enforcement,” says Chief Corvino, a former and longtime APD officer and detective. “We know how to handle potentially dangerous situations. Not to mention, we provide an extensive Level 1 security officer certification training to our new employees.”

You can contact CNM Security 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call CNM Security at (505) 224-3001 (or call 911), and for non-emergencies, call (505) 224-3002. If you observe suspicious activity on any of CNM’s properties, please contact Security.

For more information about Security, such as emergency procedures or how to request escorts to your vehicle in the evenings, visit Security’s website.