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.168434.1

SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 63

48

TH LEGISLATURE

- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -

FIRST SESSION

, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Richard C. Martinez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES

IN RIO ARRIBA COUNTY.

WHEREAS, the New Mexico state police provides the majority

of law enforcement services in Rio Arriba county; and

WHEREAS, criminal activity, including property damage,

burglaries, drug trafficking and other drug- and alcohol-

related crimes, is prevalent in Rio Arriba county and threatens

the safety of county residents; and

WHEREAS, criminal activity is more likely to occur when

the threat of arrest is lower due to a decreased law

enforcement presence; and

WHEREAS, there are many seniors and single persons living

in Rio Arriba county and many of them are becoming angry and

afraid for their safety; and

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.168434.1

WHEREAS, traffic on state roads in Rio Arriba county is

increasing, and the number of motorists who violate the speed

limit or drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

endangers the law-abiding residents of the county; and

WHEREAS, fewer than twenty New Mexico state police

officers, including supervisory officers, are assigned to the

New Mexico state police district that includes Rio Arriba

county;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it recognize the need for additional

state police officers in Rio Arriba county to reinforce

community efforts to halt and reverse the escalation of

criminal activity and unsafe behavior that is adversely

affecting the residents of Rio Arriba county; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the secretary of public safety and the Rio

Arriba county commission.

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