New Mexico Sun

Public Safety News

State Sen. Brantley on public safety reform delay: 'If we don’t address crime now, we have to wait 2 years'
Public Safety

Crystal Brantley, New Mexico State Senator for District 35, emphasized the necessity of passing urgent crime legislation during this year’s 60-day session.

State Sen. Brantley: Fentanyl smuggled into U.S. is 'killing our kids here in New Mexico'
Public Safety

Crystal Brantley, a State Senator for New Mexico's District 35, has expressed concerns over the increasing threat posed by criminal activity linked to fentanyl trafficking in New Mexico.

Latest News


State Sen. Brantley on youth violence and accountability: 'New Mexicans are sick of the crime rate'
Public Safety

Crystal Brantley, a State Senator for District 35, emphasized the need for stronger juvenile justice laws in New Mexico to hold violent youth offenders accountable and protect communities.


State Rep. Cortez on officer protections: 'We make it so easy for them to be sued'
Public Safety

Elaine Cortez, a State Representative for New Mexico District 62, expressed concerns regarding the removal of qualified immunity and its impact on police recruitment and morale across New Mexico.


State Rep. Cortez on fentanyl traffickers: 'You are essentially taking a life'
Public Safety

Elaine Cortez, a State Representative for New Mexico's District 62, has called for life sentences for fentanyl traffickers due to the drug's deadly impact on residents of New Mexico.


State Rep. Armstrong on reform and crime legislation: 'CYFD reform is within reach'
Public Safety

Gail Armstrong, a New Mexico state representative for District 49, discussed efforts to reform the state's Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) during an appearance on the New Mexico Suncast podcast on March 5.


State Sen. Sharer on crime and public safety: 'Criminals don’t need a hug'
Public Safety

William Sharer, a New Mexico State Senator, has emphasized the need for stricter crime policies in the state.


Lt. Gov. Morales on bipartisan public safety efforts: 'Our commitment is to New Mexicans and keeping New Mexicans safe'
Public Safety

Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales said that the state's leadership has shown a bipartisan commitment to ensuring the safety of New Mexicans, involving advocates and legislative bodies in the process.


House Speaker Martínez on public safety legislation: 'Promises Made, Promises Kept'
Public Safety

Javier Martínez, Speaker of the New Mexico House, said that the state is fulfilling its commitment to public safety and behavioral health reforms as the governor prepared to sign a comprehensive package of bills addressing these issues.


NMBC president on the need for crime reform: 'How many times do we hear about a violent crime being committed'
Public Safety

Carla Sonntag, president of the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), expressed concerns about crime in New Mexico, highlighting its impact on residents leaving the state.


Gov. Grisham on HB 8 and crime reform: 'More than 18,000 cases have been dismissed'
Public Safety

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico, said that House Bill 8 is a crucial measure in tackling crime within the state by reforming competency evaluations and preventing repeat case dismissals.


Gov. Grisham: 'We are serious about doing something about mental health'
Public Safety

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that New Mexico has made significant progress in behavioral health access, highlighting increased provider growth, expanded services, and reduced suicide rates.


New Mexico Business Coalition President on rising crime: 'People are wanting to leave the state because crime is so high'
Public Safety

Carla Sonntag, President of the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), said that rising crime is prompting residents to leave the state and affecting business policy.


Rep. Chavez on HB 8 crime package: 'We owe it to victims across this state to deliver real crime solutions'
Public Safety

New Mexico State Representative Nicole Chavez said that the recently signed House Bill 8 is a beginning, and legislators owe it to victims to deliver real crime solutions.


Turquoise Alert Bill passes unanimously in New Mexico Senate
Public Safety

In a significant development, the New Mexico Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 41, known as the Turquoise Alert Bill.


NM House Republicans address HB 8 crime legislation
Public Safety

New Mexico House Republicans have announced that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed House Bill 8, the Democratic crime package, into law.


NMBC CEO on New Mexico crime crisis: 'People are tired of the out-of-control crime in this state'
Public Safety

Carla Sonntag, president and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), said that recent poll results indicate New Mexicans are frustrated with rising crime and demand legislative action.


NMBC CEO on crime and legislative inaction: 'Legislators are completely out of touch with what New Mexicans want'
Public Safety

Carla Sonntag, President and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition (NMBC), said that state legislators are failing to address the crime crisis, citing a lack of prioritized public safety measures.


Sen. Wirth on behavioral health reform: It is 'the key to the success of the public safety package'
Public Safety

Peter Wirth, a New Mexico state senator, announced that the behavioral health bills aim to provide treatment options to divert repeat offenders from incarceration, supporting a broader public safety package.


Sen. Cervantes on criminal justice reform through HB 8: It will 'ensure more individuals receive the care they need'
Public Safety

Senator Joseph Cervantes announced that House Bill 8 expands treatment options for individuals with mental health issues to reduce recidivism and improve public safety.