Tucumcari, Logan police to get more than $1M

New Mexico’s governor on Friday announced $41.5 million in grants from the state’s Law Enforcement Recruiting Fund, including more than $1 million total for police departments in Tucumcari and Logan.

The funding awards will be awarded to 29 police departments in New Mexico over the next three years, with full funding of salaries provided the first year, 50% on the second year and 25% on the third year.

Funding levels are based on an average officer salary of $75,000 and were awarded based on needs identified by departments in their application processes.

The Tucumcari Police Department will receive $787,500 to fund six officer vacancies.

A shortage of manpower at the Tucumcari force had been a source of concern among city commissioners in recent months. Officers from New Mexico State Police and Quay County Sheriff’s Office have assisted when the TPD is shorthanded.

The Logan Police Department will receive $262,500 to fund two officer vacancies.

The sheriff’s office in neighboring Union County also will receive $262,500 to fund two officer vacancies.

The Law Enforcement Recruitment Fund was advocated by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham during the 2022 legislative session, established in the House Bill 68 crime package measure and funded with $50 million in the budget to support the recruitment of new officers at local departments throughout the state.

“Today we deliver on a promise to New Mexicans to get more police officers on our streets,” Lujan Grisham stated in a news release. “Every New Mexican deserves to feel safe in their community, to know that law enforcement is coming when they need help – that’s why we are continuing our priority investments in public safety, funding new officers that will make a real difference in communities both small and large across the state.”

The allocation of officer recruitment funding follows the legislature delivering 16% raises for New Mexico State Police officers earlier this year.