NMSP NEWS
On October 28, the New Mexico State Police began proactive operations in Belen to suppress crime in the town and in the surrounding areas. Prior to enforcement operations, NMSP met with concerned citizens and business owners in an effort to identify their primary needs and concerns
Some 40 NMSP officers were assigned to take part in this two-week operation. The main focus was to build relationships with community members and collect information to address their concerns about criminal activity in the area. During the two-week operation, officers generated the following:
- Citizen/Business Contacts – 2,805
- Traffic stops – 1,443
- Citations issued – 30
- Felony Arrests – 51
- Misdemeanor Arrests – 81
- Recovered Stolen Vehicles – 5
- Firearms Seized – 7
NMSP received dozens of compliments from citizens and business owners thanking them for committing the time and resources to deter crime in their neighborhoods. This operation supports the Department of Public Safety’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens, especially those directly impacted by crime.
“An essential part of any public safety operation is gaining the community’s trust,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “State Police officers reached out and listened to Belen residents, and the productive result is, to my mind, at least in part due to that community outreach effort. I commend the officers for their work here and all across the state in working to build community relationships and keep New Mexicans safe.”
“Our proactive campaign in Belen confirms that brief and friendly interaction increases citizens cooperation with police,” said Mark Shea, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety. “The results illustrate that our operation was effective, and I thank the citizens of Belen for their cooperation. We plan to implement this strategy in other communities with local law enforcement agencies.”
“New Mexico State Police is dedicated to working with other law enforcement agencies to reduce crime and build public trust in our communities, said Chief Tim Johnson.”
NMSP worked with Belen Police Department, Valencia County Sheriff’s Office, Thirteenth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Adult Probation and Parole, Juvenile Probation and Parole and NM Department of Corrections.
NMSP will continue to collaborate with City of Belen and utilize crime data to help determine where law enforcement presence is most needed.