ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A new state law passed during this year’s legislative session is expanding who can become law enforcement officers in New Mexico. It’s the latest approach to fill law enforcement vacancies and offer a new opportunity to those without American citizenship.
“It literally turns dreamers into defenders,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.
For years, only American citizens could become law enforcement officers in the state. Now, a new state law that will soon go into effect will change that. “This bill will open the door to more than 51,000 more New Mexicans who would now be eligible to apply for law enforcement work,” said New Mexico State Senator Cindy Nava.
According to state documents, Senate Bill 364, sponsored by Nava, will allow people who are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, or legal permanent residents, to now become a police officer, marshal, or sheriff anywhere in the state.
A legal permanent resident is someone who is legally allowed to stay in the country permanently but does not have citizenship. Supporters of the bill say this will help address law enforcement vacancies across New Mexico, as they look to neighboring states, such as Texas and Arizona, to attract new members.
“Anyone in the country who cannot be a police officer in their home state can then come to New Mexico,” said Sen. Antonio Maestas.
APD highlighted one of their officer’s success stories, explaining her journey from being born in Mexico to becoming a sworn officer in Albuquerque. Officer Smith dreamt of working in uniform but had to temporarily serve in public service while working to get her citizenship.
Years later, Officer Smith fulfilled that dream, though a law like this would have made it easier and quicker. New Mexico joins California, Colorado, and Illinois as the only states in the country to do this.
“This legislation will enable us to not only grow the ranks of the Albuquerque Police Department, but grow the ranks in a way that is reflective [of] the community of Albuquerque,” said Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina.
APD says this push will help to continue lower crime rates in the metro, as the department looks to further bolster its force. According to APD, homicides have decreased year-over-year by 48%. Violent crime is down 20%, and property crime is down 33%.
“We have in no way changed our standards,” said Mayor Keller. “The standards are the exact same for anyone who wants to be a member of our Albuquerque Police Department with respect to qualifications.”
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill into law on April 7. It will go into effect 90 days from that date.