Sheriff’s Office Advisory & Review Board presents annual report, urges red-flag outreach and civilian staffing

The Sheriff’s Office Advisory & Review Board presented its annual report to the Board of County Commissioners Jan. 14, summarizing 12 months of meetings, two listening sessions and a set of four recommendations to the commission.

Judge Tommy Jewell, outgoing chair of the advisory board, introduced the report and noted attachments that include verbatim listening-session comments. Vice Chair Debbie Strongen, who prepared the report, highlighted board recommendations that the commission consider education efforts to increase public awareness of New Mexico’s red-flag law and to support the sheriff’s behavioral-health team and other efforts.

The board also recommended that the commission consider adding more civilian positions within the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office so uniformed deputies can focus on patrol duties. Commissioners praised the advisory board’s work and its collaboration with Sheriff John Allen and senior staff.

Board members and commissioners acknowledged Judge Jewell’s years of service; Jewell said he would step down and thanked commissioners and board members for the opportunity to serve.

Commissioners asked for clarification on the recommendation about red-flag laws; board members said their research suggested low public awareness and that enabling law-enforcement personnel to act as complainants in appropriate cases may expand protective options for households in crisis. Commissioners supported further staff and sheriff coordination, and thanked the advisory board for the report. No formal board action was required.