Martinez appoints public safety secretary

SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez on Thursday named State Police veteran Scott Weaver as secretary of the Department of Public Safety.

Weaver, who has been the department’s deputy secretary, succeeds Greg Fouratt, who left the Cabinet position last month to become a U.S. magistrate judge in Las Cruces.

Weaver had been serving as acting secretary since Fouratt’s departure.

His appointment was effective immediately, according to the Governor’s Office.

Weaver, 47, of Rio Rancho, was an officer with the State Police, which is part of the Department of Publ ic Safety, from 1994 to 2015.

The governor appointed him DPS deputy secretary for statewide law enforcement and support services in March 2015.

In that capacity he managed the forensic laboratories in Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Hobbs, and administered the Law Enforcement Records Bureau, the Information Technology Division, the Administrative Services Bureau and the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.

“The dedication, leadership and accomplishments that Scott has shown throughout his career in public safety demonstrate that he is prepared to lead DPS, and I’m confident he will continue to help make New Mexico’s families and communities safer,” Martinez said in a statement announcing the appointment.

During Weaver’s career with the State Police, he attained the rank of major and commanded the Internal Affairs and Research and Development bureaus, as well as serving as the agency’s drug abuse coordinator.

He also served as a patrolman, a narcotics agent and a member of the dive team.

Weaver earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

He will make $125,000 as DPS secretary.

His appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.