4-30-2024 1:08pm

Alamogordo Police Department Training and Recognition

Chris Edwards Editor

The Alamogordo Police Department hosted their Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training recently with several area agencies attending.

Participating agencies of past trainings by APs have included: Alamogordo Police Department, Otero County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico, Veteran's Treatment Court, Alamogordo Public Schools, Ruidoso Police Department, Tularosa Police Department, Holloman AFB - 49th Wing, and Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department.

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training is a community partnership of law enforcement, mental health and addiction professionals, individuals who live with mental illness and/or addiction disorders, their families, and other advocates

It is a first-responder model of police-based crisis intervention training to help persons with mental health disorders and/or addictions access appropriate referrals and medical treatment with the intent of improving the outcomes of these situations. CIT improves communication and promotes officer safety and the safety of the person in crisis. CIT covers mental health topics, community support and advocacy topics, law enforcement-specific topics, and de-escalation techniques with real-life scenario-based skills training.

The Alamogordo Police Department CIT Training Program has been training law enforcement and their community partners since 2018.

The benefits of CIT include giving officers more tools to do their job safely and effectively, reducing stigma about mental health, and increasing the likelihood that individuals will receive mental health services.

Truly a community collaboration, each CIT Training includes over 20 instructors and community partners who share their expertise, resources, and personal stories.

Two Alamogordo Police Department Detectives were recently recognized for exceptional performance. Detective Sergeant Esquero and Detective Diaz, each were awarded an Exceptional Performance Award for their outstanding efforts in a crucial investigation. They worked alongside numerous agencies, showcasing their determination. The award was presented by Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez. Alexander M.M. Uballez is an American lawyer serving as the United States attorney for the District of New Mexico reporting to the Department of Justice.

The recognition by the DOJ attorney is a testament to the dedication and expertise of Detectives Esquero and Diaz.