Writer: Dan Trujillo, 575-541-2023, dtrujillo@lascruces.gov
Las Cruces and New Mexico State University police teamed together Wednesday for a traffic safety operation that recorded 155 citations during a three-hour period.
Wednesday, Aug. 19, was the first day of classes for the 2026 fall semester at New Mexico State University. Officers from both police departments conducted the traffic enforcement operation along University Avenue.
“This is another great example of collaboration between departments in safeguarding our campus community,” said Justin Dunivan, Chief of the New Mexico State University Police Department. “Our primary goal is maintaining a safe campus, and that includes working with our public safety partners in ensuring all aspects of traffic and pedestrian safety.”
“We’re proud of the partnership we have with Chief Dunivan and the New Mexico State University Police Department,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department. “NMSU is a big part of our community, and we want its students, faculty and staff to have a safe and successful semester. Working together with Chief Dunivan and his team is a great way for us to help make that happen.”
Traffic citations issued during the three-hour operation included:
- 37 – No Registration
- 32 – No Insurance
- 24 – Speeding
- 22 – Cell Phone Violation
- 14 – Equipment Violation
- 9 – Red Light
- 5 – No Driver’s License
- 4 – Crosswalk Violation
- 3 – No Seatbelt
- 2 – Parking Violation
Additional citations were issued for failure to yield, driving with no license plate and littering. New Mexico State Police also assisted with the operation.
Area law enforcement agencies will plan additional traffic safety operations in the near future.
-30-
CUTLINE: NMSU Police teamed with Las Cruces Police in a joint safety operation on Wednesday Aug. 19, the first day of NMSU classes for the fall semester. (Photo by Dan Trujillo)