University of New Mexico Police and Security and

UNM Safety
Rachael Yanabah Martin
1520 University NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 261 - 20967

LoboCalendar App: Undercover Panic

Button
March 16th, 2021

Overview
The University of New Mexico is an open campus where anybody can come in and out with no
questions asked. UNM is by one of the most high crime and homeless activity streets, Central
and Lomas. The campus has different help aids in times of danger such as UNM police
patrolling the area and Code Blue Poles. The Code Blue Poles are in various areas around the
campus with a caller button to UNM police or security when in danger. However, can we really
trust these poles?

Goals
1. Keep students safe at campus at all hours.

2. Limit criminal activity on campus.

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 3. Make safety more accessible

The Problem
The University of New Mexico has a report of 567
crimes reported on campus or near campus. These
crimes get put into four different categories:
disciplinary actions, arrests related to possession,
violence against women, and arrest for major
crimes. University of New Mexico has more than
140 Code Blue poles placed around campus to minimize
criminal activity and work with UNM police to approach
crimes sooner. The poles are exposed to the public where
they are easy to be vandalized. Also, the Code Blue poles
have many technical difficulty reports and out of order signs
on a few poles. In 2019, before COVID-19 hit, KOB4 had an
investigation team search into UNM’s maintenance records
about the Code Blue poles. More than a couple dozen reports were found. These reports found
audio cutting out in calls, emergency blue light failing to flash, calls full of static, calls not being
successful, and too many “out of order” signs on poles. In the article by KOB4 reported an
incident where on “April 2018 - One emergency phone simple did not connect to the police
department”(O’neil). Colleges in New Mexico are getting rid of their Code Blue poles such as
Central New Mexico Community College and New Mexico State because they believe the poles
are becoming out-dated. Students should be able to feel safe on campus at all times since UNM
is home for some students.

Solution
My goal is to give students a piece of mind while being on campus from attending a late class,
coming back to the dorms from work, or getting to your dorm or vehicle after a late night at
Zimmerman. I propose an undercover panic button or safety app that is disguised as a calendar
app for your classes. When you open the app it will open with features of a panic button such as
calls, location, and an alarm . This app would work with UNM police as having a Code Blue pole

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on your phone. In times of danger you will be free to go on your phone and push the button
to let the police know your location as well call them. This app will only be available to staff
and students that have a UNM ID or email that you log on with your password. This will block
from anybody getting the app freely. UNM has many hotspots for internet access as the app
could go off your internet or your data. You can get it on the Apple or Android store. The world is
evolving around technology in this time of age. This app could add more aid around the campus
when the poles are not cooperating. Where we do not exactly have to get rid of the Code Blue
poles but have more safety in our hands.

Qualifications
I wish I had all the technology skills to develop
this app but I would like to work with our
Computer Science Graduate Program or
Department to make this app successful. This
app will take various steps of approval by going
through UNM safety and UNM IT to be able to get the login
through UNM on the app. Last but not least we will be
working with a graphic designer to make the app icon and
display will be neat. As well adding a UNM dispatch number
to connect with the app. Apps take lots of test runs where I want to make sure that all students,
especially incoming students, are safe.

Funding

Creating apps can vary anywhere from $5,000-10,000 and if the app needs to be more highly
developed it will rise from there. Since the app is working with UNM Safety we can get the
funding through the purchasing of parking permits or receive funding from sponsors by
advertising the values of student safety at UNM. As well trying to get funded by the state. The
app would cost $20,000 from making the app available to IOS and Android, connecting with
UNM login authentication onto the app, connecting the calls to UNM Police, creating app design,
and app icon which cost the most. We would have to pay a graphic designer to make an app
icon which would cost about $200-500. Advertising the app would only be within UNM such as

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presenting it to students on their orientation day. Advertising can lead to $100-300. We
would also have to pay for the work that graduate students help to make this app
successful. It will vary if we would need a team of possible 5 or less to be about $6,000 or
$8,000 with a time of 5 months. This will total the app to be $30,000 to $50,000 but we have to
keep in mind the hiccups and test runs where it is included in the price. The test runs could as
well lead up to $1,000 or $2,000. The benefits of this app will maintain the safety of our students
and faculty to do their activities on campus.

Conclusion

In conclusion having this undercover panic button app would give staff and students a piece of
mind while doing activities at UNM even if activities are at night. They can be prepared without
alarming the intruder in a safe manner. Crime will also be minimalized at UNM. This project
could also give very great experience to UNM graduates in the departments we would be
needing. We are a pack and the pack protects each other. Thank you for your time.