RUIDOSO, N.M. — New Mexico law-enforcement training is undergoing a major modernization effort, with a new legal training block already in place and other academy curricula slated for updates as state officials recently gathered feedback from county sheriffs.
Those changes were a focus of this year's Sheriffs' Association Conference in Ruidoso in August, where county law-enforcement leaders discussed training, forensic laboratory capacity, and law enforcement records systems with county sheriffs.
During the conference, DPS Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sylvia Serna emphasized the importance of collaboration across New Mexico's public-safety system.
"No law-enforcement agency can succeed alone," said Serna. "State Police, sheriffs' offices, local agencies, courts, prosecutors, forensic professionals and other partners all form a single public-safety system."
Serna, Academy Director Fabian Valdez, and Deputy Directors Jessica Arballo and Jason Foster participated in a question-and-answer session with sheriffs addressing academy modernization, forensic laboratory capacity and the Law Enforcement Records Bureau. Serna highlighted efforts to modernize academy curricula, strengthen instructor standards, and ensure training reflects current law, constitutional standards, and real-world policing.
The academy has also implemented a new 68-hour legal training block focused on criminal and civil law applications. The block is part of the more than 700 hours of classroom and practical instruction required for police officers and was developed in partnership with Central New Mexico Community College.
Sheriffs at the conference expressed support for the academy's direction and ongoing modernization efforts.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said his agency has been pleased with the preparation of recent academy graduates, while McKinley County Sheriff James Maiorano III said the expanded legal training addresses practical skills officers need when preparing evidence, presenting cases, and testifying in court.
Mora County Sheriff Americk Padilla emphasized the importance of connecting academy instruction to real-world situations and working collaboratively to identify solutions. Sierra County Sheriff Joshua Baker and other sheriffs also voiced support for keeping recurring training current and strengthening officers' knowledge of evolving laws and civil-liability issues.
"We're committed to strengthening the support behind the badge, so New Mexico's law-enforcement professionals have the people, resources, information, and systems they need to serve their communities lawfully and effectively," Serna said.
DPS also continues to strengthen forensic laboratory and records systems, including development of a statewide missing-person portal expected to launch in 2027.
Lincoln County Sheriff Mike Wood, who attended the Santa Fe academy in the 1990s, said he was encouraged by DPS's commitment to strengthening the LEA curriculum.
"The Santa Fe Academy is hallowed ground," Wood said. "We have not farmed it out or sent anybody to any other academy."
The conference provided an opportunity for DPS leadership and sheriffs to exchange feedback, discuss challenges and solutions, and continue building partnerships to strengthen law enforcement training and support throughout New Mexico.
