UNM Hospital Security Escort Program Provides a Safe Ride to Anyone on North Campus

Whether it’s a late shift, an evening class or a quiet walk to the parking lot, no one on The University of New Mexico’s North Campus has to walk alone—especially after hours. UNM Hospital Security offers 24/7 security escorts, with backup support from the UNM Police Department.

Anyone on North Campus—including patients, visitors, students, faculty and staff—can call the UNM Hospital Security dispatch line 24/7 at (505) 272-2160 to request a security escort. Alternatively, they can call the UNM Police dispatch line 24/7 at (505) 277-2241.

“It’s important to make sure that all of our staff, students and visitors feel safe,” said Richard Pickup, a former police officer and one of several security operations managers for UNM Hospital.

When someone calls the UNM Hospital Security line, a dispatcher will ask questions to gain additional information and an understanding of the situation. They will also ask the caller for a contact phone number so they can ensure two-way communication. Whenever possible, the dispatcher will let the caller know how long it might take for a security escort to arrive.

Video: Take a ride with a UNM Hospital Security officer and learn more about security escorts on UNM North Campus.

Dispatchers triage calls to determine the level of risk. They escalate emergency situations for an immediate response and address non-emergency security escort requests as soon as possible. It may take a Hospital Security officer some time to arrive for a security escort, depending on how busy the team is, Pickup said. That’s where UNM Police come in.

UNM Police serve as a backup if Hospital Security is unable to respond to an escort call in a timely manner.

Pickup advised that security escorts are primarily for anyone who feels unsafe—such as someone who feels like they are being followed on North Campus, or a hospital worker leaving a late shift and needing to get to their vehicle in the dark. Hospital Security officers can provide an escort to any of UNM’s parking lots.

Pickup pointed out the University’s regular shuttle services are available during normal hours and help many people get to and from North Campus safely. However, he said Hospital Security can provide an escort if someone were to miss the last shuttle of the night, for example.

Hospital Security can even accommodate small groups needing an escort, with security vehicles able to fit about three additional people at a time, Pickup said. If the officer needs to make a couple of trips to escort a larger group, they will.

When asked about helping someone who has a class or shift that gets out late and would like regular security escorts, Pickup had a straightforward response.

“We’ll give them a ride,” he said.

Hospital Security officers can also jumpstart a vehicle with a dead battery. However, they are unable to assist anyone locked out of a vehicle. This type of situation requires the help of a locksmith, Pickup said.

While anyone can call UNM Hospital Security or UNM Police for a security escort on North Campus, adding in some basic situational awareness to enhance safety is a good idea, too, Pickup said.

“Safety’s a big thing, right? You should always be alert to your surroundings, knowing what’s going on,” he said.

For additional campus safety information, check out this article.

Banner and Thumbnail Photos: UNM Hospital Security officer Justin De Guzman during a demonstration of the security escort process.