Crime Prevention and Awareness | Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University is a community consisting of students, faculty, support staff and administrators. The university relies on community members to assume the responsibility and obligation of conducting themselves in a manner compatible with the purpose of the university as an educational institution and a place of learning and residence.

Learn more about Campus Safety and Campus Police Presence.

CMU Crime Prevention Programs

This program is designed to make the campus community aware of campus crime and provide information on reporting and implementing self-security to reduce overall campus crime. Self-help tips and reporting information is provided through posters, brochures and media advertising. This campaign is provided in the fall and the spring semester.

This program is provided to help reduce theft on campus and aid in the recovery of stolen property. Forms are available from the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) and the Campus Police substation on 1060 Orchard Ave. Fill out these forms to register the make, model and serial numbers of valuable items such as digital cameras, laptop computers, iPods, etc. Without this information it is extremely difficult to recover stolen property or prosecute the offender(s). This is a free program available to all students, faculty and staff.

CMU offers a Safe Walk Program designed to provide safe travel around campus for students, faculty and staff. Trained Campus Safety Assistants (CSAs) are available to walk you safely anywhere on the main campus and up to two blocks off-campus.

This service is available daily from 4pm-2am. To contact a CSA, call 970.260.2683.

Informative classes and mini-programs are presented by the GJPD throughout the year. Subjects ranging from personal safety to property security are available for campus residents through Residence Life and for the campus community at large by contacting the GJPD. Educational programs aimed at alcohol and drug abuse prevention are provided by the GJPD upon request.

Blue emergency telephones are strategically placed in CMU's parking garage. When activated, the phones provide a direct connection via a 911 line to the regional communications center. When the phone is in use, a blue strobe light is activated which not only calls immediate attention to that particular area, but also assists emergency responders for a more direct response.

To use the phones, press the red emergency button. Wait for the dispatcher to answer and explain the problem.

Members of the campus community are encouraged to register their bicycles with the GJPD. Registration is FREE for students and greatly aids in the recovery of stolen bicycles and prosecution of the offender(s). It is recommended that good quality locks always be used to secure bicycles. If possible, storing bicycles inside a residence hall or apartment helps prevent them from being stolen.

Crime Stoppers Logo Crime Stoppers helps prevent, solve, and stop crime in Mesa County.

Crime Stoppers of Mesa County is an award-winning, independent non-profit organization that coordinates strong working relationships between all area law enforcement agencies, local media outlets, and anonymous citizens to prevent and solve crime in our community.

Video cameras are located in various areas throughout the campus. Besides serving as a deterrent to crime, these cameras have assisted law enforcement in identifying suspects in several cases.

Weapon storage is maintained at the GJPD Substation on campus to store firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, knives, etc. Students who reside on campus are welcome to store items that are used for hunting, sporting or competitive purposes in the safe.

The GJPD, in conjunction with CMU Residence Life, conducts training with the Residence Life staff each semester. Topics of instruction include when to call 911, suspicious activity, identifying illegal narcotics, dealing with intoxicated individuals, personal safety and available resources.

The GJPD offers presentations to faculty and staff about safety on campus and reporting suspicious activity.

All of the GJPD officers currently assigned to CMU have undergone specialized training to assist individuals who are in a crisis situation, including mental illness, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Facilities Services, along with members of the Residence Hall Association, Associated Student Government and other members of the campus, regularly walk around campus at night to observe any vegetation or lighting issues that may cause a safety concern. Once identified, the problems are promptly corrected.