The city of Las Cruces has announced that Chief Jeremy Story of the Las Cruces Police Department has appointed Lt. Eric Urenda as the new Deputy Chief of Operations. Lt. Urenda graduated from the department's 37th Academy in 2006 and has served as a commissioned officer since then.

As of Dec. 31, 2023, Lt. Eric Urenda, a law enforcement veteran with 17 years of experience, will assume the role of Deputy Chief of Operations at the Las Cruces Police Department. In this capacity, he will lead and supervise various key units, including three patrol shifts, the Street Crimes Unit, the SWAT team, the K-9 Unit, the Crisis Intervention Team, the Traffic Unit, Transport Officers, and Police Service Aides. According to a press release by the city of Las Cruces, Urenda holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from New Mexico State University and has an extensive background overseeing Dayshift Patrol Operations at Law Enforcement Training Academy and contributing to specialized programs such as SWAT, Honor Guard, and DARE instruction at local schools.

Chief Story expressed his confidence in Urenda's abilities in a statement released by the city: "Eric brings a lot to the table when it comes to his experience and the tremendous amount of respect he holds within our department," said Story. "I have full confidence in his ability to help lead us into the new year and beyond."

According to information on its webpage provided by the city of Las Cruces, The Las Cruces Police Department operates with a team dedicated to ensuring safety for residents, workers, and visitors alike. Over recent years, it has responded to an average of 460 calls for service each day or about 160,000 calls annually. Led by Chief Story, it comprises approximately 220 commissioned law enforcement officers and around 100 civilian personnel who serve a population nearing 110,000 residents.