Sheriff's Office outlines recruitment goals and technology upgrades for Bernalillo County

The Bernalillo County Commission held a budget hearing on April 10, 2025, focusing on the funding needs of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) and the challenges it faces in maintaining public safety. Sheriff addressed the need for increased civilian support and technology implementation, emphasizing that civilians are crucial to the efficiency of law enforcement operations.

A significant point of discussion was the recruitment and retention of sworn personnel. Sheriff noted that while the department does not struggle with retaining staff, it faces challenges in filling vacancies due to retirements and disciplinary issues. The proposed budget aims to enhance recruitment efforts and ensure a high response rate to public service calls, targeting a 95% efficiency rate.

Sheriff highlighted the importance of funding for new technologies, including license plate readers and a real-time operation center, which require civilian support to function effectively. He expressed concern over insufficient state and federal grant support, mentioning that approximately $3.3 million in grant funds are currently stalled due to a continuing resolution. This funding is critical for maintaining operations, particularly for the metro air support unit, which is facing a $1.2 million shortfall.

The discussion also touched on the ongoing efforts to address crime in the International District and the use of technology to combat speeding and traffic-related incidents. Sheriff acknowledged that speeding is a major concern in the community and indicated a willingness to collaborate on utilizing technology, such as speed cameras, to enhance enforcement.

Commissioners praised the Sheriff's Office for its responsiveness and professionalism, with several expressing support for the proposed budget and the initiatives aimed at improving public safety. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions on funding and resource allocation to ensure the Sheriff's Office can effectively serve the community.