The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) continues to administer the Law Enforcement Retention Fund, which aims to retain experienced and certified law enforcement officers across the state. Now in its fourth year, the fund provides financial incentives for full-time certified officers working with eligible agencies in New Mexico.
The program allows officers to receive a stipend amounting to 5% of their annual base salary at specific career milestones: their 4th, 9th, 14th, and 19th years of service, and every year after reaching 20 years. To qualify, officers must be fully certified through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy and are required to remain with their current agency for at least one additional year after receiving the stipend.
According to Christina Tyson, State Projects Staff Manager for the Special Projects Unit – Administrative Services Division under DPS who manages the fund, “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.”
Tyson also noted the importance of retaining these professionals: “It’s very important in protecting our communities across New Mexico and recognizing these officers for their continuous years of service. 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 agencies submit officer data via a DPS portal as part of an annual reporting process. Last year’s submissions included data on over 5,100 officers from various law enforcement agencies statewide. The department collaborates with agencies by clarifying requirements, providing technical guidance, and offering training on using reporting tools. Recent improvements have included bringing management of the application portal internally within DPS to enhance efficiency and accuracy; further redesigns are planned for next year.
“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.”
A recent legislative update expanded recognition of lateral service within New Mexico law enforcement agencies so that officers receive credit for total continuous service within the state rather than just time served at their current agency.
Tyson credited Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sylvia Serna as instrumental in advocating for funding and legislative changes: “(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.”
Serna emphasized the significance of the initiative: “The retention fund is paramount to the safety of our communities and for the careers of law enforcement throughout New Mexico. 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.”
Since its launch four years ago, 127 agencies have participated in the program with nearly 1,900 officers receiving disbursements. Participation has grown significantly—more than doubling both in number of participating agencies and recipient officers since its first year.
“Through financial accountability, collaborative oversight, and data-driven monitoring, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety is raising the bar for law enforcement professionalism across New Mexico,” said Serna.
