DPS requests $274 million to strengthen statewide public safety

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Official release

Source material from New Mexico State Police. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

DPS requests $274 million to strengthen statewide public safety

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DPS requests $274 million to strengthen statewide public safety

SANTA FE— The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) requests a total budget of $273,165,600 for Fiscal Year 2028 to support statewide public safety operations, including critical personnel, technology, training and systems relied upon by law enforcement agencies and communities throughout New Mexico.

Of the total request, $231,756,900 is requested from the General Fund to support the Department’s three primary programs: the Law Enforcement Program, Statewide Law Enforcement Programs, and Program Support. Together, these programs provide law enforcement services, training, technology, records, forensic testing, and operational support that strengthen New Mexico’s criminal justice system. This represents an increase of $18,236,200, or 8.5 percent, over the FY2027 General Fund allocation.

Law enforcement increasingly depends on timely information, reliable vehicles, secure technology, trained personnel, and systems that remain available around the clock. DPS must also meet growing demands for officer certification, law enforcement records, forensic testing, emergency response, and protection against cybersecurity threats.

The FY28 request includes funding for New Mexico State Police officer communication and data-sharing software, patrol vehicles and equipment. The request also includes funds for maintaining systems used for dispatch, field response, law enforcement records and evidence tracking. Cybersecurity protections, forensic laboratory software and required accreditation costs, and new positions within the Law Enforcement Records Bureau and the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy are also included in the request.

This funding is essential for DPS to fulfill its mission to prevent crime, enforce state laws, and respond decisively whenever New Mexicans need help. Guided by integrity, accountability, and service, DPS remains committed to delivering the highest standard of public safety – today and into the future for all of New Mexico. Without these resources, DPS could face service delays, equipment and system failures, and a reduced ability to support law enforcement agencies and communities across New Mexico.

The FY2028 budget request builds on funding approved in FY2027 to strengthen intelligence-led policing and improve New Mexico’s Missing Person Alert System. These investments help law enforcement use timely information to respond to crime and locate missing persons.

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Release text attributed to New Mexico State Police. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.