SFGate.com - They are known for going head-to-head with outlaws like Billy the Kid and chasing fugitives through mountainous terrain once ruled by Apache leader Geronimo. New Mexico sheriffs and their deputies have long served as the only law enforcement agents in some parts of the state's vast territory. Their exploits over the years and have given rise to tales of heroism and Old West myths that are often shadowed with back stories of political corruption and questionable practices. But as deadly Mexican drug cartels move into isolated regions of the state and gangs grow in small cities like Roswell and Farmington, the sheriffs say it's time that their departments shed old romantic images along with nagging allegations of corruption and abuse. They say it is time to modernize crime fighting in New Mexico. In April, sheriffs from New Mexico's 33 counties organized themselves under a new group aimed at offering deputies advanced training and building a lobbying force to help change state laws and help beef up sheriffs' departments. The group, the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association, promises to educate sheriffs on budget matters and develop a pipeline for developing future law enforcement leaders. They also are inviting U.S. Homeland Security Investigations agents to help their small departments in various drug trafficking and political corruption cases. Read More News New Mexico
New NM sheriffs' group aims to 'professionalize'
SFGate.com - They are known for going head-to-head with outlaws like Billy the Kid and chasing fugitives through mountainous terrain once ruled by Apache leader Geronimo. New Mexico sheriffs and their deputies have long served as the only law enforcement agents in some parts of the state's vast territory. Their exploits over the years and have given rise to tales of heroism and Old West myths that are often shadowed with back stories of political corruption and questionable practices. But as deadly Mexican drug cartels move into isolated regions of the state and gangs grow in small cities like Roswell and Farmington, the sheriffs say it's time that their departments shed old romantic images along with nagging allegations of corruption and abuse. They say it is time to modernize crime fighting in New Mexico. In April, sheriffs from New Mexico's 33 counties organized themselves under a new group aimed at offering deputies advanced training and building a lobbying force to help change state laws and help beef up sheriffs' departments. The group, the New Mexico Sheriffs' Association, promises to educate sheriffs on budget matters and develop a pipeline for developing future law enforcement leaders. They also are inviting U.S. Homeland Security Investigations agents to help their small departments in various drug trafficking and political corruption cases. Read More News New Mexico
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