UNAM Enhances University Security with New Initiatives and Community Dialogue

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is bolstering its security measures through a combination of new leadership, proactive community engagement, and technological advancements. These efforts aim to address concerns regarding safety and mobility across university campuses.

New Leadership at SPAMSU

On November 14, 2025, Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas, Rector of UNAM, appointed Manuel Palma Rangel as the new Secretary of Prevention and Support for University Mobility and Security (SPAMSU). Palma Rangel officially assumed his role on November 15, 2025, succeeding Raúl Arcenio Aguilar Tamayo. Prior to this appointment, Palma Rangel served as the subsecretary of Control Penitenciario of the Secretariat of Security of the State of Mexico and as Director General of Policy and Penitentiary Development.

Rector Lomelí has tasked Palma Rangel with conducting a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, involving both the university community and security commissions, to identify areas for improvement and consolidate the well-being and safety of students, and staff.

Community Dialogue and Security Reengineering

Dr. Palma Rangel emphasized a three-pronged approach to “reengineering university security”: a diagnostic survey, open dialogue with the community, and consideration of student demands gathered in recent months. He stressed the importance of actively listening to students, recognizing their firsthand experience of campus life and their insights into areas needing attention.

A key initiative is the creation of an “emotional map of the campus,” designed to identify locations where students feel unsafe or insecure. This information will be used to develop targeted prevention strategies.

Technological and Preventative Measures

SPAMSU is promoting the “Senderos Universitarios” project, a platform allowing the university community to report issues such as faulty lighting, damaged sidewalks, or inadequate signage. The university is also evaluating the prioritization of physical security measures (increased personnel and surveillance) versus technological solutions (cameras, access control, emergency buttons) based on student feedback.

Existing preventative measures include regular “saloneo” exercises, and the dissemination of information through Telegram channels and the Local Safety Commission page regarding emergency resources like emergency buttons, yellow phones, and CPR protocols.

Communication and Reporting Channels

Students have access to multiple channels for reporting concerns and providing feedback, including suggestion boxes in the library and the Comprehensive First Contact Area (APCI) office, as well as institutional email addresses. The SOS UNAM application allows users to report emergencies and provides a direct line of communication with security personnel, requiring precise location details and relevant medical information.

Looking Ahead

The UNAM administration has expressed a willingness to allocate resources based on student input, prioritizing areas that require the most attention. There is also an openness to leveraging new communication formats, such as TikTok, to disseminate safety information and engage with the student body.