Submitted by Democratic Senator Cindy Nava and Republican Senator Craig Brandt
The political climate these days feels tense. Nationally, we see gridlock everywhere, preventing proven policies that can help our cities and towns thrive. That’s why, in New Mexico, it’s so important that we work together in a bipartisan fashion to get real work done on the issue that matters most to families across the state: public safety.
With communities across our state grappling with rising crime rates and the increasing difficulty in maintaining adequate law enforcement staffing, it is clear that action is needed. That’s why we are co-sponsoring Senate Bill 364 (SB 364), bipartisan legislation designed to increase public safety by putting more trained police officers on the streets. This bill is a win for both law enforcement and New Mexico families.
At the heart of SB 364 is a simple idea: expanding the pool of qualified candidates who can serve as police officers by opening up the profession to legal permanent residents and DACA recipients. For too long, individuals who hold valid work permits issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have been excluded from pursuing careers in law enforcement, even though they have every right to contribute to the safety and security of our communities. SB 364 removes this barrier, allowing these individuals to become eligible to join the police force, provided they pass the same stringent background checks and security prerequisites required of all law enforcement officers.
More police on the streets means a safer environment for everyone. As crime rates increase and police forces remain understaffed, the pressure on our first responders continues to grow. When there are more officers available to respond to emergencies, patrol neighborhoods, and engage with local communities, public safety improves for all families.
Additionally, this bill will help address the growing challenge of law enforcement retention in New Mexico. With fewer recruits entering the profession and more officers retiring or leaving for other opportunities, law enforcement agencies have struggled to maintain adequate staffing levels. SB 364 opens the door for individuals who might otherwise have never considered a career in law enforcement—people who are already working, living, and contributing to our communities but were previously excluded from this essential work.
The potential benefits of SB 364 extend far beyond simply increasing the number of officers. By diversifying the law enforcement workforce, we create opportunities for better community policing, fostering trust and understanding between officers and the diverse communities they serve. Officers who share cultural ties, languages, and life experiences with the communities they serve can help bridge gaps, reduce tension, and foster stronger relationships. This can lead to more effective crime prevention and better cooperation between law enforcement and the public.
In bringing SB 364 forward, we are taking a significant step forward in creating safer communities, providing new career opportunities, and ensuring that our law enforcement agencies reflect the diversity and values of New Mexico.
Cindy Nava is the Senator in NM District 9, representing Sandoval County and part of Bernalillo County. Craig Brandt is the Senator in NM District 40, who also represents Sandoval County.
Want to get more police on the streets? Restore Implied Immunity and let police do their jobs,. Restore the ability for retired police officers to continue to work while drawing their pensions. These two factors are the real reason law enforcement is struggling in New Mexico.
Allowing people here that are not naturalized, many who came here illegally to police our citzens, is not making our communities safer. I thought the goal was to build the confidence up in our police force? How does opening the door to unnaturalized citizens, many are here illegally and onlt protected under DACA.
In fact this is a dangerous presidence that they are establishing. No unnaturalized person should hold a power of position in law enforcement, especially in an open border state that is fighting cartels, illegal immigrants crossings, drug and sextrafficking. Recind the bill that took away immunity protection from citizen officers abd let them do their jobs!