The FBI has recognized six New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) employees for their efforts that significantly increased the number of law enforcement agencies in the state reporting into the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

"The Department of Public Safety's efforts will go a long way towards not only providing more accurate crime data to the public, but also assisting law enforcement departments with decisions where to spend their money on proactive measures to address crime," Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the Albuquerque FBI Division said. "These employees, with the strong support of Secretary Jason Bowie and Deputy Secretary Benjamin Baker, demonstrated a high level of professionalism that will improve the safety of New Mexico's communities."

"Our nation, advocacy groups, lawmakers, and the public rely upon these statistics," said Secretary Bowie. "This highly motivated team demonstrated their commitment to doing everything in their power to fulfill this reporting mission. We remain focused on bringing the remaining 22 agencies into the fold."

The employees were recognized during a news conference at DPS on Friday (1/20/2023).

Law enforcement agencies nationwide voluntarily submit crime data to the FBI through NIBRS every year.

The FBI, as part of its mission, releases the results through the publication of the Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

In October 2021, when the FBI certified DPS as the NIBRS manager for New Mexico, only 23 law enforcement agencies were reporting data.

Since that date, DPS has pursued a strong messaging campaign and provided training resources urging NIBRS compliance of all law enforcement agencies in the state.

As of January 17, 2023, New Mexico had 74 law enforcement agencies reporting into NIBRS, with 20 more working with DPS to have their data certified.

Only 22 law enforcement agencies in the state are not reporting into NIBRS, and efforts are ongoing through training and technical assistance to get them online.

The current or former DPS employees who were recognized are: Jessica Rodarte, Lisa Hernandez, Amanda Macias, Jesus Lucio Jr., Herman Lovato, and Regina Chacon. (Ms. Chacon has left DPS for another state government agency.)

"I want to extend my gratitude and sincere appreciation to these employees and their leaders for a job well done," Bujanda said.

More information about the NIBRS program can be found at: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/ucr/nibrs