When it comes to saving lives and keeping New Mexicans safe, what could be more important than certified and experienced law enforcement officers? It’s so critical that the New Mexico Department of Public Safety administers state-appropriated funds through House Bill 193 (formerly House Bill 68) under the Law Enforcement Retention Fund to help keep experienced officers serving in the state.

The fund, which is in its fourth year, supports retention of full-time certified officers with eligible law enforcement agencies throughout New Mexico, giving credit for years of service and experience from one agency when transitioning to another within the state.

Officers are eligible to receive the stipend of 5% of their annual base salary on their fourth, ninth, 14th and 19th years of service and then subsequently every year after 20 years (with a requirement to remain with their current law enforcement agency for at least one more year). Qualifications include being fully certified through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy.

“The primary goal of the fund is to acknowledge and reward dedication and commitment to protecting New Mexico communities, while helping agencies retain experienced and certified law enforcement officers statewide,” said Christina Tyson, State Projects Staff Manager for the Special Projects Unit – Administrative Services Division under the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, who manages the fund.

“It’s very important in protecting our communities across New Mexico and recognizing these officers for their continuous years of service,” she said. “They play such an important role in public safety — we want to retain them and keep them working for a New Mexico law enforcement agency. It also helps in their career planning.”

Each May, eligible law enforcement agencies submit required officer data through the Department of Public Safety portal as part of the annual reporting process, with applications closing by the end of the month. Last year, 5,114 officers were included in submissions from law enforcement agencies across New Mexico.

The department works with agencies to clarify requirements, assists with reporting tools and provides technical guidance. Per Tyson, this collaborative approach ensures that even small or understaffed departments can participate fully and remain in compliance. Additionally, the department recently improved the process further by bringing the designated portal “in-house,” in order to manage internally introducing enhancements to the application process and data validation. Next year the portal will be completely redesigned internally, streamlining the application and data validation procedures.

“We’re also working with agencies to provide training for the application process,” said Tyson. “The portal enhancements are part of DPS’s broader effort to modernize and ensure secure and accurate recordkeeping, and support agencies through a more efficient process. By centralizing management under DPS, the system now offers greater consistency, improved data integrity and faster customer support — all contributing to a more transparent and accountable retention program.”

The recent legislative update expanded the program to recognize lateral service within New Mexico law enforcement agencies, giving officers credit for their full continuous service in the state rather than just time with their current agency.

“[New Mexico Department of Public Safety] Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sylvia Serna has been a driving force in advocating for funding and legislative improvements that have strengthened the Law Enforcement Retention Fund,” said Tyson.

“The retention fund is paramount to the safety of our communities and for the careers of law enforcement throughout New Mexico,” said Serna. “Having experienced, qualified and certified officers to serve in this great state is critical to public safety.

“This fund recognizes service and commitment — valuing the sacrifices and risks officers make every day, which leads to a sense of pride and improved morale. Another benefit is that it offers a strong mentorship option for these veteran officers for new recruits and builds a stronger connection overall within the community.”

So far, since its inception four years ago, a total of 127 agencies have participated and 1,857 officers have received their retention disbursements. Over the past two years there has been a significant increase in participating agencies (more than double from year one to year four) and officers (more than 1,000 additional since year one).

“Through financial accountability, collaborative oversight and data-driven monitoring, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety is raising the bar for the law enforcement professionalism across New Mexico,” said Serna.