A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT'S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY BUREAU TO STUDY ISSUES RELATED TO LATE NIGHT RETAIL EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND SECURITY.

WHEREAS, the number of assaults, robberies and violent acts to employees at late night retail establishments is increasing at an alarming rate; and

WHEREAS, unless positive corrective steps are taken, this unacceptable increase in crime will only continue with further loss of lives and property, contrary to the health, safety and welfare of both the employees and customers of late night retail establishments; and

WHEREAS, documented studies have shown that the proper placement of window signs; cash management devices; location of sales areas; amount of accessible cash on the premises; lighting levels of parking areas; training of employees; and security equipment, including videotape cameras, silent alarms and other security devices and measures, provide immediate relief to the increase in crime perpetrated against late night retail establishments; and

WHEREAS, late night retail establishments are those businesses primarily engaged in the sale of groceries, gasoline or both groceries and gasoline and open for business between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of environment's occupational health and safety bureau be requested to study the extent of the problems associated with late night retail establishments; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of environment.