Christopher J. Sweetin is no stranger to service and leadership. He is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with 20 years of experience, and is now the CEO and co-founder of the Triskelion Group of New Mexico, overseeing 3D Security Services, 3D Security Training Solutions, and 3D Security Investigative Services. The Small Business Administration named him New Mexico’s Small Business Person of the Year in 2024. He is also the founding member and president of the New Mexico Professional Security Association. His journey from military service to private security is driven by a commitment to public safety and a belief that meaningful change starts at the local level.
“I come from a no-fail organization,” Sweetin says, reflecting on his military background in combat search and rescue. “Seeing a problem and not doing something about it, I just don’t understand that thought process.” His passion for New Mexico, where he has lived since 1997, fuels his dedication to addressing the state’s crime issues. “This place is amazing—the mountains, the food, everything. And my kids are thriving here. That’s why I’m still here.”
Sweetin’s concern for safety is personal. His children, Kaitlyn and Connor, attend Saint Pius High School and are excelling academically and athletically. “My daughter plays varsity volleyball and softball, and my son is into rugby now. They’re doing great,” he says. He also has a close bond with his girlfriend and her daughter, Rosie, who is about to graduate from high school. “We need to ensure our children grow up in a safer environment,” he emphasizes.
For Sweetin, public safety in Albuquerque is a growing concern, exacerbated by a shortage of police officers. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is authorized for 1,100 officers but currently has fewer than 900 actively serving. Some policymakers believe that removal of qualified immunity for law enforcement in 2021 has contributed to recruitment challenges. “It sounded great in theory, but all it really did was make it impossible to recruit officers,” Sweetin says.
He argues that the elimination of qualified immunity, coupled with increased violence and crime, has made law enforcement a less attractive career. “If we’re asking people to act on our behalf to enforce laws, they need to be protected.”
Sweetin believes private security can help bridge the gap left by understaffed police forces. “Our mission statement is securing the world one person at a time,” he says. Triskelion Group trains and employs security officers to a higher standard than what is currently required in New Mexico. “We standardized training across the state, ensuring that security personnel are better prepared for real-world threats. It’s not about replacing the police but supporting them.”
The state has already integrated private security into various law enforcement functions. “Private security backs up state police and local departments,” Sweetin says. “For example, security officers assist in magistrate offices and help transport detainees, freeing up law enforcement for more critical tasks.” His proposal to expand this model could significantly bolster Albuquerque’s security infrastructure. “If the city allocated funding for 260 trained security officers, they could help fill the gap left by police shortages,” he says. “It’s not about replacing officers; it’s about strategic support.”
The effectiveness of private security hinges on rigorous training and professional presence. “When I retired from the military, I was shocked by the low standards for security officers here,” Sweetin says. “If a grossly overweight guard smoking a pack of cigarettes is supposed to deter crime, we have a problem.”
To address this, Triskelion Group and the New Mexico Professional Security Association developed a standardized curriculum for security training. “Now, all security personnel across the state receive the same instruction, ensuring consistency and professionalism.”
Sweetin envisions a greater role for private security in supporting public safety. “The goal is to take pressure off of law enforcement while ensuring businesses, schools, and communities remain protected,” he says. His approach emphasizes collaboration rather than division. “This isn’t about politics; it’s about security. Our team includes people from all backgrounds who share one mission—making New Mexico safer.”
Beyond security, Sweetin values community and local culture. “Food is a big part of why I love this place,” he laughs. “If I’m taking a client out, it’s Oak Tree Cafe. For a great New Mexican meal, it’s Sadie’s. And my kids love Turtle Mountain and Joe’s Pasta House.” His appreciation for local businesses extends to his hiring philosophy. “We’re always hiring, and we look for quality people who want to make a difference,” he says.
Despite challenges in recruitment, he remains optimistic. “The quality of candidates is there; we just have to find them,” he says. Triskelion Group’s rigorous screening process ensures only the best applicants make it through. “They apply, go through a telephone interview, then an in-person interview, and finally our training. Even if they’ve trained elsewhere, they go through our program, and they get continuing education credits at no cost to them.”
As crime rates rise and police recruitment lags, Sweetin sees private security as an integral part of the solution. “We can’t change things overnight, but we can start locally. If we fix local, we fix the state. If we fix the state, we fix the country.” His vision for New Mexico’s security landscape is clear: a partnership between law enforcement and private security, working together to create a safer future for all.
