Strengthen Partnerships with Local Law Enforcement

The Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office has not consistently coordinated with other law enforcement agencies across the county. This lack of collaboration weakens our ability to serve and protect our communities effectively.

Under my administration, rebuilding and strengthening these relationships will be a top priority. We will foster open communication, mutual support, and coordinated efforts among all law enforcement agencies within Sandoval County.

When agencies work together, we share resources, improve response times, and enhance public safety. Sandoval County is strongest when its law enforcement community stands united in service to its citizens.

Mental health challenges affect many families in our community, and law enforcement must be prepared to respond with compassion, understanding, and the right tools.

As your Sheriff, I will prioritize open communication with the community and actively support families navigating mental health crises. My administration will work to build proactive relationships with willing families—so deputies have prior knowledge and can respond in the most appropriate and effective way during a crisis.

All sworn personnel will receive Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training to ensure they are equipped to safely and respectfully handle mental health-related calls. In addition, I will work toward establishing an in-house clinician to help guide mental health response strategies, provide support to deputies, and connect individuals with appropriate resources.

By combining training, communication, and professional support, we can improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary escalation, and better serve those in crisis and their families.

Juvenile crime has become a growing concern across Sandoval County and is frequently highlighted in our local communities. Addressing this issue requires both accountability and a commitment to supporting families.

As your Sheriff, I will take a proactive approach by enforcing the law while working closely with the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to ensure appropriate intervention and support services are in place.

Parents and guardians who repeatedly fail to provide proper supervision may be subject to investigation when neglect or abuse is suspected. At the same time, families who do not meet the threshold for criminal charges will be referred to CYFD and connected with resources designed to help them succeed.

The Sheriff’s Office will also remain engaged with families to provide guidance, oversight, and support as they work to address underlying issues.

By combining enforcement, early intervention, and family support, we can reduce juvenile crime and create safer, stronger communities for the next generation.

he Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office is currently facing challenges with morale. A strong agency begins with supported, respected, and well-trained personnel—and that will be a top priority under my administration.

I will foster a culture where both sworn and unsworn members know they are valued professionals whose voices matter. I will actively listen to personnel at all levels and support the implementation of ideas that improve operations and effectiveness.

In addition, I will ensure all deputies are thoroughly trained and confident in every aspect of their duties—from routine patrol procedures to foundational knowledge of investigative practices. Ongoing training and professional development will be emphasized to maintain high standards of performance.

When deputies feel supported and are well-trained, they serve with greater confidence, professionalism, and commitment—ultimately leading to better outcomes for the communities we protect.

While jurisdiction on tribal lands is limited, that does not diminish the importance of ensuring safety and support for those communities.

As your Sheriff, my administration will actively engage with tribal governments across Sandoval County to build strong, respectful partnerships. We will work collaboratively to understand and address the unique concerns of each community.

Through open communication, coordination, and mutual respect for jurisdictional boundaries, we will strive to ensure that tribal members, community members, and visitors within tribal lands receive the attention, support, and public safety services they deserve.

By working together, we can strengthen relationships, improve coordination, and enhance safety for all communities within Sandoval County.

As your Sheriff, I will prioritize rebuilding strong partnerships with our local school districts and ensuring a visible, consistent law enforcement presence on our campuses.

My administration will establish open lines of communication with school leadership and implement daily welfare checks by deputies. When not responding to calls for service, deputies will be encouraged to spend time on campus—completing reports, attending lunch and recess, and building positive relationships with students and staff.

Deputies will also be present during student arrival and dismissal whenever possible to enhance safety and reassurance for families.

In addition, I will reestablish a strong and effective School Resource Officer (SRO) program to provide dedicated, trained personnel focused on school safety, mentorship, and early intervention

Our goal is simple: create a safe, supportive environment where students feel protected, staff feel supported, and deputies are trusted members of the school community.

Protecting our communities requires strict oversight and full compliance with all sex offender registration laws.

As your Sheriff, I will ensure the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office is fully up to date with all state and federal sex offender registration requirements. My administration will prioritize accuracy, accountability, and timely enforcement of all mandated reporting and monitoring standards.

I will also work to reestablish a strong, collaborative relationship with New Mexico Probation and Parole to ensure individuals are properly supervised and remain in compliance with all legal requirements.

Through coordination, diligence, and enforcement, we will strengthen public safety and ensure that all registration laws are upheld consistently and effectively.

Drug addiction is not a crime—it is a medical condition that requires compassion, treatment, and support. As your Sheriff, I will ensure our response reflects that understanding.

My administration will work to identify individuals and families in need of help and connect them with appropriate treatment and support services for substance use disorders. We will take a proactive, community-focused approach to addressing addiction and its impact on families.

At the same time, we will take a firm stance against those who traffic and distribute illegal narcotics. Through targeted enforcement and coordination with local, state, and federal partners, we will hold offenders accountable and disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities.

By combining compassion for those struggling with addiction and strong enforcement against those fueling it, we can make meaningful progress in improving public safety and community health.

Traffic safety is a critical responsibility of the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. Effective enforcement and responsible management of available resources are essential to keeping our roads safe.

Sandoval County has dedicated traffic units and access to grant funding that supports overtime enforcement efforts. However, concerns have been raised regarding the management of these grants, resulting in the loss of significant funding that could have been used to enhance traffic safety initiatives.

As your Sheriff, I will prioritize accountability and proper oversight of all grant-funded programs. My administration will work to restore and maximize available funding to ensure our deputies have the resources needed to effectively enforce traffic laws, reduce impaired driving, and protect our communities.

By strengthening enforcement and responsibly managing resources, we can improve roadway safety and reduce preventable incidents across Sandoval County.