It poses significant risks to serve as a law enforcement officer in New Mexico.
The state known as the Land of Enchantment is second in the country for the number of officers attacked per person. Each day, over four officers are attacked.
All law enforcement organizations across the nation are required to provide the count of officers who have been attacked.
Deep dive: Target 7 Investigates
These are situations where officers are targeted with gunfire, assaulted with a knife, or struck with punches or spat upon. Alternatively, they may be attacked using a knife.
Target 7 analyzed all of the data reported to the FBI.
In 2023, we discovered that over 1,600 officers were attacked. This places our state in second position, just behind Alaska, in terms of the number of officers assaulted per capita.
We don’t have respect for the police,” stated Farmington police chief Steve Hebbe during a recent press briefing. “We don’t treat the police as we ought to.
Hebbe has been advocating for more severe punishments for individuals who assault law enforcement officers.
He also serves as the president of the state’s association of police chiefs.
It begins with the individuals performing the work,” he stated. “And are we supporting them, and are we sending a message that conveys our support?
During the previous legislative session, Hebbe supportedHouse Bill 103 sponsored by Representative Andrea Reeb, from Chaves, Roosevelt, and Curry counties.
It would have raised the maximum punishments for severe battery against a police officer to nine years.
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At present, the longest possible sentence is three years.
Our law enforcement officers face abuse, disrespect, and even violence, which is a cause I’m deeply committed to defending,” Reeb stated. “It’s a difficult job, and they often receive harsh treatment.
Reeb, who also serves as a prosecutor, mentioned that her legislation would have addressed a defect in the law.
“If I were to aim at you and you’re a police officer, and I missed, it would result in a more severe punishment than if I had actually shot you with a gun,” Reeb stated.
Last session, the bill was unable to reach the Senate floor.
“I believe they look at the phrase ‘increased penalties’ and the committee isn’t willing to give me an opportunity,” Reeb stated.
For Hebbe, the matter has recently become personal. In May, police officer Timothy Andoveros of Bloomfield was shot and killed.
And in Albuquerque, there have been numerous near misses.
Starting in April 2024, law enforcement officers have been targeted in seven incidents.
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READ THE FULL STORY:New Mexico is ranked 2nd in cases of officers being attacked
