DPS hosts statewide missing persons, community resource day: Two-day event brought together officers, families of missing persons

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) brought together law enforcement officers and families of missing persons for two days of training and support services in November.

Missing in New Mexico took place on Nov. 7 at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe.

On Friday, Nov. 6, officers from across New Mexico attended eight hours of missing persons training at the Law Enforcement Academy. The New Mexico Missing Persons Clearinghouse, Office of the Medical Investigator, U.S. Marshals, FBI, and New Mexico State Police led sessions on evidence collection, interviews, interagency collaboration and alert activation for both active and cold cases.

Missing in New Mexico took place on Nov. 7 at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe.

The following day, the department's Law Enforcement Records Bureau hosted "Missing in New Mexico" Day at the academy. Families of missing persons connected with law enforcement, criminal justice partners, civil agencies and service providers for case updates and resources.

A K-9 at the Missing in New Mexico event held on Nov. 7.

Services included DNA collection by Albuquerque's Combined DNA Index System for comparison against unidentified remains, plus support from the Office of Medical Investigator, the Indian Affairs Department, the Department of Health and the Behavioral Health Services and Income Support Divisions of the Health Care Authority.

The Indian Affairs Department at the Missing in New Mexico event on Nov. 7.

"We remain committed to strengthening New Mexico's response to missing persons cases by bringing together the right training, resources, and partnerships," said DPS Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sylvia Serna. "These events helps ensure families are supported and that law enforcement across the state has the tools they need to move cases forward."

###