This bill seeks to improve the law enforcement framework in New Mexico by incorporating telecommunicators into the Law Enforcement Retention Fund, allowing for retention differential disbursements based on tenure for both full-time certified law enforcement officers and telecommunicators. It introduces new definitions, such as "safety agency" and "telecommunicator," while modifying existing terminology by changing "law enforcement officer" to "police officer." The bill consolidates training requirements under the Law Enforcement Training Act, updates the responsibilities of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Standards and Training Council, and removes the Senate's consent requirement for certain appointees. Additionally, it mandates that the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy and its satellite academies meet accreditation standards and emphasizes evidence-based practices in law enforcement education.

Moreover, the bill revises the composition and responsibilities of the Law Enforcement Certification Board, expanding its membership to include a diverse range of professionals and granting it the authority to deny certification and conduct investigations. It establishes a continuing education requirement for police officers and telecommunicators, ensuring they remain updated on best practices. The bill also mandates the New Mexico law enforcement academy to apply for national accreditation by January 1, 2029, and allocates $1 million from the general fund for training and curriculum development initiatives. Provisions are included to withhold funds from entities that do not meet training and accreditation requirements, while repealing outdated sections of law to modernize the legal framework governing law enforcement training in New Mexico.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 9-19-14, 29-7-2, 29-7-3, 29-7-4.3, 39-3-1.1, 29-7-5, 29-7-7, 29-11-5, 29-13-6