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Jemez Springs adopts police SOP sections and backs trial of satellite-based radio equipment to improve dispatch communications
Summary
Council approved Police Department Standard Operating Procedure Sections 202, 203 and 303 and heard Police Chief Joe Moreno describe a two-year initiative to improve radio communications with Sandoval County Dispatch using a Starlink-based vendor trial funded by the police and fire chiefs.
The Jemez Springs Village Council on Aug. 19 approved Sections 202, 203 and 303 of the Police Department—s Standard Operating Procedures and discussed a trial to improve radio communications with county dispatch.
Trustee James McCue moved to approve the SOP sections; Trustee Manolito Sanchez seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous voice vote. Police Chief Joe Moreno said the procedures are grounded in federal and state directives but were tailored for the Village—s small department by removing references to larger training committees and review groups that do not apply locally.
Chief Moreno also provided an update on a two-year initiative to improve radio communications with Sandoval County Dispatch. He said a vendor using a Starlink satellite system has been identified to overcome line-of-sight limitations. Moreno said he and the fire chief have agreed to fund a trial of the equipment; if the trial succeeds, neighboring agencies including Jemez Pueblo and La Cueva are expected to consider adoption. Mayor Nealeigh commended Chief Moreno for his leadership on the project.
Why it matters: Reliable radio communications are critical for emergency response in rural areas with line-of-sight limitations. The SOP updates formalize procedures for the Village's small department; the communications trial could materially improve interoperability with county dispatch if the equipment performs as expected.
