Rep. Vasquez Celebrates New Funding he Secured for New Law Enforcement Technology to Combat Crime and Reduce Response Times With Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- On February 20, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)met with Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen and Major Patrick Burk for a drone demonstration and discussion about federal funding the Congressman secured for new public safety technology to combat crime and reduce response times.

Congressman Vasquez secured $500,000 for Bernalillo County to acquire industry-standard hardware, such as Automatic License Plate Readers and gunshot detection technologies, as well as key software, such as updating their Geographical Information Systems (GIS). These upgrades will help law enforcement's efforts to curb violent crime, reduce response times, and combat traffic crime in Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's office also conducted a live demonstration of the police drone technology the office employs to identify criminals and solve traffic crimes. Congressman Vasquez is leading legislation and supporting efforts to enhance local law enforcement's ability to counter criminal drone activity.

"Local law enforcement officers need every resource available to help fight violent crime," said Vasquez. "I'm proud to be bringing funding home to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's office that will make our streets safer by reducing response times and helping identify criminal activity. I'll keep investing in public safety projects that make Albuquerque and Bernalillo County a safer place to live."

"The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is grateful for the support from Representative Vasquez," said Sheriff Allen. "This funding will allow the Sheriff's Office to continue to protect the community it serves through technology upgrades and services."

Congressman Vasquez is leading the charge to ensure that law enforcement agencies' use of drones and counter-drone technology are keeping pace with rapidly evolving threats to public safety and national security.

• He introduced the bipartisan Secure Our Skies Drone Safety Act to close gaps that are preventing law enforcement from effectively countering criminal drone activity after meeting with local law enforcement in New Mexico and the Fraternal Order of Police where the topic of combatting drones was raised as a high-priority.
• He also helped pass the COUNTER Act, which strengthens the ability of base commanders to defend installations like White Sands Missile Range against dangerous drone incursions.
• Congressman Vasquez sent a letterto the Departments of Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration, Vasquez urging leaders to establish clear federal guidance and strengthen authorities for law enforcement at all levels to counter illegal drone activity on U.S. turf.

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