Police focused enforcement along University Avenue on the first day of fall classes at New Mexico State University

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces and New Mexico State University police issued 155 traffic citations during a three-hour enforcement operation along University Avenue on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

The operation coincided with the first day of fall semester classes at NMSU and focused on traffic and pedestrian safety near campus.

“This is another great example of collaboration between departments in safeguarding our campus community,” NMSU Police Chief Justin Dunivan said. “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.”

The most common citations were for no registration, with 37 issued, followed by 32 for no insurance, 24 for speeding and 22 for cell phone violations.

Officers also issued 14 equipment citations, nine for red-light violations, five for driving without a license, four for crosswalk violations, three for not wearing a seat belt and two for parking violations.

Additional citations were issued for failure to yield, driving without a license plate and littering.

“We’re proud of the partnership we have with Chief Dunivan and the New Mexico State University Police Department,” Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story said. “NMSU is a big part of our community, and we want its students, faculty and staff to have a safe and successful semester.”

New Mexico State Police also assisted with the operation.

Police said additional joint traffic safety operations are planned.