SANTA FE COUNTY SHERIFF
Four-year term. The Sheriff enforces the provisions of all county ordinances; aids in the arrest and detention of escaped prisoners; and serves and executes all process, writs, and orders directed to him/her by magistrate judges and certain others directed by municipal judges. Minimum qualifications: at least 18 years of age and a legal resident and elector of New Mexico.
1. Why do you want this position and what are your qualifications?
I have dedicated my life to public safety, and I believe in progressive policing. I have seen Law Enforcement evolve over my career, and I’m running for Sheriff because I know we can do better; do better by the people we serve, do better by our deputies, and do better with our partner agencies. I have served as a Dispatcher, Public Safety Aide, Deputy, Police Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. I have also served as a Field Training Officer, Master Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor, Bicycle Officer, Motorcycle Officer, and General Police Instructor. I have received training as a Public Information Officer, as well as multiple trainings in leadership at the First Line Supervisor, Police Command, and Police Executive levels.
I believe I have the experience, credentials, and record of accomplishment to continue serving as Santa Fe County Sheriff. My academic and public service qualifications along with my policy initiatives make me the best-qualified candidate to be your Sheriff. Bachelor of Arts, Criminology, UNM, 1995; Graduate, NM Law Enforcement Academy, 1998; nearly 25-years in law enforcement and administration; elected sheriff in 2018. As Sheriff, I have worked tirelessly to strengthen public safety, increase deputy salaries, and initiate public policies to improve policing. If voters provide me the privilege to serve a second term, I will work to expand programming, ensure accreditation of the agency, and upgrade radio communication technologies.
2. What qualifications would you prioritize in hiring additional officers?
As a leader in my profession, I understand that the hiring process must be stringent. This profession is not for everyone. As Sheriff, I will prioritize the hiring process to individuals who show interest in public service and display values that prove to be beneficial to the community and Law Enforcement. Qualifications I will seek are honesty, integrity, respect, leadership, and a dedication to serve the community. Having core values provides a foundation for not only who you are as a person, but how you navigate through life and conduct yourself on a daily basis. If elected as Sheriff of Santa Fe County, I will continue to lead by example and exemplify these core values to all citizens and department members.
Recruitment and retention are essential priorities for my second term as Sheriff and it has been a priority during this term. Times are challenging for the law enforcement profession, and recruitment is a difficulty we must contend with. Deputy sheriffs need to possess several fundamental qualities. Honesty and integrity are essential. Deputies must demonstrate good judgment along with good communication skills. Our agency seeks to employ persons who hold these qualities. I believe that our deputy sheriffs and their job, responding to dangerous situations and engaging members of our community, are crucial to keeping Santa Fe County safe and making it safer for the greater community. We will continue seeking out the best and brightest.
3. What factors should be considered when dealing with a possible mental health issue?
Dealing with persons affected by mental illness is an area that I care about deeply. Training in this area is imperative, but also, building partnerships with experts in this field is crucial. Having empathy to those who are suffering from mental illness is incredibly important. Taking time, building rapport, and trying to understand what the individual is experiencing, will better assist Law Enforcement in de-escalating and resolving these situations. Many times in these situations, family or caretakers can be helpful in understanding the person, and what may aid or assist in a successful resolution. Training and fostering partnerships around mental illness, will better assist Law Enforcement, and build trust within the community.
When deputies respond to incidents where a person is suffering from a mental health crisis, the safety of the individual is the utmost priority for that deputy. Police officers are not trained mental health professionals but are often the first responders on the scene at an incident. As Sheriff, I have worked during my first term to help initiate the county’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program. LEAD is a public safety program providing deputies a vehicle to divert individuals to community-based health services instead of arrest, jail, and prosecution. The LEAD program is vital to the county’s behavioral health strategic plan. I will work to expand this program in my second term.
What are your suggestions for limiting gun violence in the county?
Gun violence not just in our community, but nationwide, has risen to a dangerous level. Although we speak of the weapons used when committing crimes, we must go further, and identify the root cause. To limit gun violence, we must address the issues around these crimes. Pursuing those who manufacture and sell narcotics, and provide resources to those who use, is also important. With guns, we need to do a better job of documenting, tracking, and analyzing weapons seized by Law Enforcement to identify where the guns are coming from, and we need to prosecute felons who are found to be in possession. This will not only provide a better picture of the illegal sales of the weapons, but also discourage people from possessing them.
Gun violence is rising. It is a public health crisis. Law enforcement agencies need to identify problem areas in communities where surges in gun violence occur and we need to collaborate to engage those criminals perpetrating violent acts. Law enforcement agencies must share information and work together to identify those victimizing the communities and hold them accountable. Communities need to engage our youth and offer beneficial alternatives before they engage in gang activity. Firearm access to youth must be reduced. Keeping guns out of the hands of those who are violent is essential. We need to work with families and the community to get guns off the streets and ensure that justice is swift when gun violence is involved.