What makes up the New Mexico Department of Public Safety

Did you know the New Mexico Department of Public Safety is made up of several divisions and units? This week we will kick off a series of posts (what makes up DPS?) to go into more detail of specific work of these units.

One of these organizational units has the core values of: character, competence, compassion, commitment and comprehensive teamwork - this is guess who? The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy!

The Law Enforcement Academy provides exceptional basic training and advanced instruction to cadets, officers and telecommunicators such as dispatchers. One myth is the academy serves as the primary training for just the New Mexico State Police, when in reality the academy serves all law enforcement in the entire State of New Mexico.

The academy was established to provide a planned program of basic training and in-service law enforcement training by furnishing instruction and seminars - with the goal of constantly upgrading training to keep up with changing needs in law enforcement. The academy staffs 19 full-time employees who are dedicated to fulfilling the agency's mission.

Character - Integrity. Your word is your bond - keep your word.

Competence - Know your job and do it well.

Compassion - Treat people with humility, dignity, and respect.

Commitment - Mission accomplishment through intrinsic discipline, motivation, and focus.

Comprehensive Teamwork - Achieve success through cohesive empowerment and trust.