New Mexico State Police Arrests Up 12 Percent in 2023 Amid Spike in Crime

The New Mexico State Police under the direction of State Police Chief Troy Weisler released highlights from 2023. The release is a response of the stats for the department and actions they took as a result of their enhanced presence around Albuquerque in response to the Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's public health order around violence.

Highlights of that  public health order included...

• Removing the previous provision around firearms and replacing it with a provision that temporarily suspends the carrying of firearms at parks and playgrounds in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.

• Directing the New Mexico Department of Corrections and the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to provide assistance to the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center and its contractors to ensure adequate staffing, space, and screening for arrested and incarcerated individuals, provided that nothing in this provision shall be construed to limit the authority and responsibility of Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center in managing its operations.

• Directing all participating New Mexico Managed Care Organizations to immediately ensure that individuals who need drug or alcohol treatment have received a permanent, adequate treatment placement within 24 hours of the request.

• Directing the New Mexico Human Services Department to send relevant Managed Care Organizations letters of direction requiring them to provide their plans to achieve continual behavioural health network adequacy.

. Directing the New Mexico State Police to increase their presence in and around Albuquerque.

In December the New Mexico State Police released information about their enhanced presence the preceding 3 month in the Albuquerque area with 211 people arrested, including 86 repeat violent offenders. They’ve gotten 21 guns off our streets and recovered 23 stolen vehicles. They’ve also handed out more than 3,000 traffic citations.

On Friday they release year end statewide stats that said there had been a 12% hike in arrests by the agency and their use of force is reportedly down by 19%.

In 2023, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) experienced a 12% increase in arrests compared to the previous year. They made nearly 800 more arrests, and their use of force reportedly decreased by 19%. 

This positive trend is partly attributed to clearing a massive warrant backlog statewide and conducting targeted operations in specific areas. NMSP has also been actively building positive relationships with the community, emphasizing proactive policing and community involvement for a safer state per the release.

Additionally, the NMSP saw other notable improvements:

• A 25.4% increase in traffic citations (from 139,676 to 175,143 citations).
• A 25.2% increase in DWI arrests (from 1,353 to 1,694 incidents).

Overall, it appears that the NMSP’s efforts have contributed to a more successful year in terms of law enforcement and public safety as a result of the emphasis on crime reduction.

Locally in Alamogordo, New Mexico, the crime statistics for 2023 reveal the following according to Alamogordo, NM Crime Report, 2023 - HomeSnacks

1. Total Crimes: There were 827 total crimes committed in Alamogordo during the last reporting year.
2. Crime Rate: On a rate basis, there were 2,598.0 total crimes per 100,000 people in Alamogordo.
3. Violent Crimes: The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Alamogordo is 1 in 310.
4. Property Crimes: The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 41.
5. Comparison: Alamogordo’s crime rates are 108% higher than the national average, and violent crimes are 171% higher than the national average.
6. Year-Over-Year Increase: Crime in Alamogordo has increased by 70% compared to the previous year.

Despite these challenges, efforts by law enforcement agencies, community engagement, and proactive policing remain crucial in maintaining safety and reducing crime rates in the area.

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