Divisions and Units

Welcome to the Las Cruces Police Department’s Divisions and Units page. Here, you’ll find information about our dedicated teams working tirelessly to serve our community.

Codes Enforcement, part of the Las Cruces Police Department, helps enforce codes and regulations that promote the health, safety, and welfare of everyone who lives in Las Cruces. The mission of Codes Enforcement is to preserve the environment and beauty of our city.

Michael Roach serves as Codes Enforcement supervisor and oversees 14 Codes officers who initiate or respond to roughly 17,000 calls for service each year. Codes commonly self-generates its workload and handles such calls as excessive weeds, trash and inoperable vehicles to name a few.

To report a suspected violation or otherwise speak with a Codes Enforcement officer, please call (575) 526-0795.

Codes Enforcement officers regularly partners with Las Cruces police officers from the department’s Community Engagement section. Together, they host neighborhood cleanups and other events that benefit and help beautify Las Cruces.

Enforcement Ordinances

Contact Us

Michael Roach – Codes Supervisor

Email Michael Roach: [email protected]

Code Enforcement

Physical Address:
550 N Sonoma Ranch Blvd.
Las Cruces, NM 88011

Phone: (575) 528-4100
To contact us after hours, call MVRDA Dispatch: (575) 526-0795

Hours

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed during holidays

The goal of the Criminal Investigations Section is to thoroughly and successfully investigate and prosecute felony crimes which occur within the City of Las Cruces thus making our community a safer place to live and prosper. This is accomplished by incorporating a comprehensive deployment of resources in reaction to felonies that have occurred within the city.

Tips

Tips on criminal activity or information that can help solve a crime can be sent via email to our Criminal Investigations Section.

Contact Us

Peter Bradley – Lieutenant

Email Peter Bradley: [email protected]

Phone: (575) 528-4633

Criminal Investigations Section

Email Criminal Investigations: [email protected]

Phone: (575) 528-4222

The Las Cruces Police Department’s Field Operations Services is overseen by Deputy Chief Eric Urenda. The Field Operations Services include Patrol Shifts (Days, Swings and Graves), the Traffic Unit and Critical Incident Response SWAT Team.

Contact Us

Police Department

Email the Police Department: [email protected]

Physical Address:
217 E Picacho Avenue
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Phone (575) 528-4200
Emergency Phone 911

Community Outreach Office

Physical Address:
550 N Sonoma Ranch Blvd.
East Mesa Public Safety Complex
Las Cruces, NM 88001

The goal of the Internal Affairs Office is to ensure that all complaints or allegations against the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) or any of its employees are investigated in a thorough, fair, and impartial manner. The rights of all citizens and employees of the Las Cruces Police Department shall be protected and confidentiality shall be maintained at the highest standard. We strive to earn the trust and confidence of the citizens we proudly serve while maintaining the highest level of ethical behavior and integrity for the Las Cruces Police Department by identifying, recognizing, and resolving public safety concerns.

Structure

The Internal Affairs Office, previously known as the Professional Standards Unit (PSU), is overseen by Lt. Rob Gutierrez and contains one sergeant and two detectives. Internal Affairs reports directly to the Chief of Police. The Internal Affairs lieutenant, sergeant, and detectives can be reached via email if you have general questions about LCPD’s internal investigations.

Submit a Compliment or Complaint

Compliments and complaints can be submitted here.

Formulario De Queja Ciudadana En Español

Cualquier persona que desee presentar una queja formal debe completar un formulario de reclamación por escrito. Estos formularios pueden obtenerse en el Departamento de policía de las cruces ubicado en 217 E Picacho Avenue, o poniéndose en contacto con cualquier supervisor de DBPC. Cuando complete este formulario, por favor incluya tanto detalle como sea posible incluyendo la fecha, hora y ubicación del incidente, las identidades del oficial(es) involucrado(s), si se conoce, y una declaración de circunstancias que rodean su queja. Por favor incluya su nombre y número de teléfono para que un investigador pueda ponerse en contacto con usted si necesita más información o clarificación.

Making False or Malicious Allegations

Internal Affairs serves as a means for the public to file legitimate complaints. While supporting this process, the department holds the public responsible for filing only legitimate complaints and not those that may be false or contain malicious allegations. The investigation process is time-consuming, and false or malicious allegations serve only to impede the department’s ability to provide quality law enforcement services.

Criminal Offense

It is a criminal offense to knowingly make a false report to law enforcement authorities. The Las Cruces Police Department will initiate appropriate legal action in cases involving intentional false reporting.

Internal Affairs Annual Reports

View the Internal Affairs Annual Reports.

Contact Us

Police Department

Email the Police Department: [email protected]

Physical Address:
217 E Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Phone (575) 528-4200
Emergency Phone 911

The Las Cruces Police Department’s Investigative and Support Services is overseen by Deputy Chief Sean Mullen. The Investigations and Support Services include Investigations & Intelligence. Law Enforcement Academy, Community Outreach, Administration Program, and Metro Narcotics.

Contact Us

Police Department

Email the Police Department: [email protected]

Physical Address:
217 E Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Phone (575) 528-4200
Emergency Phone 911

Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics

The Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency is the leading organization in combating drug trafficking and dealing in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Metro Narcotics is a joint agency formed by the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico State Police.

We Need Your Help

Metro Narcotics is working hard to protect our residents but we need your help. Use this website to report any illegal activities involving narcotics in Doña Ana County. Use the Tip Line to anonymously report any suspected illegal activity related to drugs or narcotics.

Contact Us

Police Department

Email the Police Department: [email protected]

Physical Address:
217 E Picacho Avenue
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Phone: (575) 526-0795
Emergency Phone: 911

The Las Cruces Police Department Patrol Section is the backbone of the department being the first to respond to calls and helping citizens. Officers patrol our community in marked police units and are the most visible members of the department. The Patrol Section operates around the clock every day of the year.

Shifts

To better serve our growing city, the Patrol Section is divided into three shifts – Day Shift, Swing Shift, and Graveyard Shift. Sworn officers and staff occupy our main police station and the East Mesa Public Safety Campus to better serve the public.

Calls That Officers Respond To

Patrol officers are responsible for responding to a myriad of different calls to include, but not limited to:

  • Assaults
  • Batteries
  • Domestic Violence
  • Motor Vehicle Crashes
  • Suspicious Activities or Persons
  • Thefts
  • Welfare Checks

All Other Reported Criminal Activity

  • Patrol officers are responsible for proactive patrol and traffic enforcement throughout their assigned areas.
  • Members of the Patrol Section are focused on problem-solving and responding to community concerns. They accomplish this by practicing the tenets of Community Policing and collaboration with other city departments as well as local, state, and federal agencies and all other stakeholders.
  • Patrol officers can often be seen on foot patrol and on bicycles to proactively protect our community. All calls start with the Patrol Section which prides itself on dedication, compassion, and courage.

Additional Information

If you have any questions, comments, commendations or complaints, please let us know and we will promptly address your concerns or issues.

Contact Us

Police Department

Email the Police Department: [email protected]

Physical Address:
217 E Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004

Phone (575) 528-4200
Emergency Phone 911

Community Outreach Office

Physical Address:
550 N Sonoma Ranch Blvd.
East Mesa Public Safety Complex
Las Cruces, NM 88001

Las Cruces Police Department’s (LCPD’s) Research and Development Unit helps enhance the quality of life in our city by researching and developing more efficient and effective ways to provide law enforcement services to our community.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Chief of Police, and under the supervision of officer Robert Benavidez, the Research and Development Unit is responsible for the development and review of policy and procedure for the department. It provides recommendations on technology which will improve present systems, cut costs, and keep operations efficient and effective.

Accreditation

The Research and Development Unit is responsible for the department’s accreditation efforts and will be working towards New Mexico Municipal League Accreditation. Accreditation ensures our operations are in line with the best practices of our profession as identified by New Mexico law enforcement professional

Contact Us

If you have a comment, commendation or suggestion, you can call (575) 528-4214, or write to us at:
Las Cruces Police Department
Research and Development Section
P.O. Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004

The Specialty Units are a group of dedicated officers who specialize in specific aspects of law enforcement and are provided the opportunity and resources to focus on those particular challenges in our community. Specialty Units consists of:

  • A Community Liaison Officer
  • The Crisis Intervention Team
  • The Gang Unit
  • K-9 Unit
  • SWAT
  • The Targeting Neighborhood Threats (TNT) Unit

Contact Us

Email the Specialty Unit: [email protected]

Phone: (575) 525-4730

Traffic Unit

Save a life, don’t text and drive.

The goal of the Traffic Unit is to enhance the safe and efficient movement of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on or near our city roadways. This is done primarily by enforcement of traffic laws, conduct traffic studies, coordinate special events, and investigate and reconstruct crashes.

The City accepts applications for its Wrecker Rotation Program that allows for towing services to be on a rotation system. Wrecker or tow companies are encouraged to submit an application for the Wrecker Rotation period that runs annually from July 1, to June 30. Applications are accepted annually about 45 days before the new Wrecker Rotation Program begins.

Staff

The Traffic Unit is staffed by:

  • Eight motorcycle officers
  • A Neighborhood Enforcement Team officer
  • One Driving While Influenced Seizure officer
  • One hit-and-run investigator
  • One lieutenant
  • Two sergeants

The Traffic Unit also oversees the school crossing guards. Lt. Rafael Medina oversees the operations of the Traffic Unit.

Supervision

The Traffic Unit is overseen by Lt. Rafael Medina and Sergeants David Gonzales and Alexis Rodriguez. Their duties include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the section, scheduling, and daily assignments, reviewing traffic crash reports, identification of traffic problems and developing responses to these problems. The sergeants also respond to and provide guidance to officers investigating serious or fatal crashes.

Motorcycle Officers

The motorcycle officers are the experts in the area of crash investigation and reconstruction at the Las Cruces Police Department. With more than 4,000 crashes reported in the city each year, traffic safety is a priority at the Las Cruces Police Department. The motorcycle officers are also tasked with enforcing the traffic laws on our streets and are frequently assigned to special enforcement projects when a problem location is identified.

Hit & Run Investigator

This officer’s primary duties are to investigate hit-and-run crashes reported to the Las Cruces Police Department. With more than 1,000 hit-and-runs reported each year, this is a daunting task. Drivers are required by law to remain at the scene of motor vehicle crash but often decide to flee. The job of the hit-and-run investigator is to track down these drivers.

You can help. If you know of a person involved in a hit-and-run crash then email this information to the hit-and-run unit. You do not need to give your name.

Neighborhood Enforcement Team

The Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET) responds to reports of traffic-related problems in the neighborhoods of Las Cruces. They work with residents to identify the causes of the problem and take steps to eliminate the problem. This is done in a variety of ways including working with residents, conducting traffic studies, working with City of Las Cruces Traffic engineering and enforcement action. If you would like to report a traffic-related problem email the NET officers. Please try to describe the vehicle(s) involved as accurately as possible and include the location and times when the problem is occurring.

DWI Seizure Officer

In 2005, the City of Las Cruces enacted a DWI Seizure Ordinance designed to make our streets safer by keeping repeat DWI offenders off the road. This is done by pursuing a legal process to declare the vehicle of repeat offenders caught driving a nuisance. If the city is successful in this legal process, the vehicle is forfeited to the City of Las Cruces and this vehicle will be sold at auction. Similar laws have also been enacted in the New Mexico communities of Dona Ana County, Santa Fe County, the City of Santa Fe and the City of Albuquerque. If you would like more information on the program, email the Las Cruces Police Department’s DWI Seizure officer.