The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) organized a two-day event in November focused on missing persons, bringing together law enforcement officers and families seeking information about their loved ones.
On November 21, officers from across the state attended an eight-hour training session at the Law Enforcement Academy. The training was led by the New Mexico Missing Persons Clearinghouse, U.S. Marshals, FBI, and New Mexico State Police. Topics included evidence collection, interview techniques, interagency collaboration, and procedures for activating alerts in both active and cold cases.
The following day, DPS’s Law Enforcement Records Bureau hosted “Missing in New Mexico” Day at the academy. This event allowed families of missing persons to meet with law enforcement officials, criminal justice partners, civil agencies, and service providers to receive updates on cases and access support resources.
During the opening ceremony of “Missing in New Mexico,” the New Mexico State Police Honor Guard performed. Attendees had access to services such as DNA collection by Albuquerque’s Combined DNA Index System for comparison with unidentified remains. Additional support was provided by the Office of Medical Investigator, Indian Affairs Department, Department of Health, and divisions within the Health Care Authority that focus on behavioral health services and income support.
Representatives from various law enforcement agencies and state departments participated in “Missing in New Mexico.” DPS Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sylvia Serna stated: “We were proud to provide this crucial training for law enforcement personnel from all around the state and support New Mexicans with missing family members with these services.”
Signs related to the event were displayed throughout the Law Enforcement Academy during its duration.
