Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone has released the LAPD 2020 Annual Report and issued a message to the community in recognition of National Police Memorial Week. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

BY DINO SGAMBELLONE
Los Alamos Police Chief

I am proud to present the 2020 Los Alamos Police Department Annual Report.  This report highlights the professional and dedicated work being done by the Police Department employees each day in order to sustain a high level of service to the community.  In 2020, the Department and Law Enforcement across the nation endured many challenges and while crime rates significantly rose in many communities, the Los Alamos crime rate remained at historically low levels.  Our Emergency Manager, Beverley Simpson, coordinated with several community partners to ensure our Pandemic response was efficient and effective.  We thank our community partners and the community at large for contributing to a high quality of life here in Los Alamos.

In recognition of National Police Memorial Week I would ask that you take a moment to remember the sacrifice of those who have chosen a life of public service.  In 2020, there were a total of 362 Line of Duty Deaths including 234 to COVID, 45 by gunfire, and 27 vehicle crashes/vehicular assaults.  Just this past week, four more Officers were senselessly gunned down as they went about their daily duty.  We have seen this in our own State with the recent and tragic killing of New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott.  Unfortunately, these incidents reflect rising violence towards law enforcement and we must begin to come together to ensure the on-going safety of our communities and for those sworn to protect them. 

Here in Los Alamos we will soon convene the Racial Equity and Inclusivity Task Force.  As Chief, I look forward to those discussions and how we as a community can come together for the benefit of all people; Public Safety Professionals and community members alike.  I would like to thank my co-workers at the Department for their on-going exceptional service and sacrifice.  I thank the community for their on-going support and look forward to a positive future for us all. 

The 2020 Annual Report is uploaded to the Police page on the Los Alamos County website at https://losalamosnm.us/government/departments/police or directly via the following link https://losalamosnm.us/government/departments/police/annual_report/