New Mexico has been awarded $5.4 million in federal funding for thirteen public safety projects across the state, with Santa Fe receiving a significant portion of the funds. The grant, approved by Congress in March as part of an appropriations bill and recently disbursed by the U.S. Department of Justice, aims to enhance public safety and mental health services.
Among the funded projects, Santa Fe will benefit from various initiatives, including $300,000 allocated to the city’s Mobile Integrated Health Office. This grant, secured by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, will be used to purchase a specialty vehicle for the city’s Alternative Response Unit. This unit, operated by the fire department, responds to mental health crises and other emergencies instead of using police resources. The new vehicle will provide a climate-controlled space for client interactions and will update mobile laptop equipment for case managers.
Additionally, $339,000 requested by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján will support Santa Fe County’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. This initiative provides mobile case management services for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. The funds will help expand the program and add a contract case manager to handle increased referrals.
The largest single appropriation of $1.15 million will fund the purchase of advanced machines for four cities—Farmington, Gallup, Las Cruces, and Roswell. These machines will capture three-dimensional images of bullet casings to build a comprehensive database for tracking firearms used in crimes. This data will be integrated into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network and the state Department of Justice’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center, enhancing real-time information sharing and supporting criminal investigations.
Another notable allocation is $963,000 for the CASA Program Crime Victim Trauma Intervention Project in Chaves County, requested by Luján and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández. This funding will support efforts to assist abused and neglected children and other vulnerable populations. Leger Fernández praised the funding, highlighting the impact of CASA in protecting and supporting children.
Members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation praised the disbursement of funds. Heinrich emphasized the importance of the investment in ensuring public safety and supporting law enforcement. “These investments are crucial for keeping New Mexicans safe, aiding in solving crimes, and supporting survivors,” he said.
Rodriguez from the state Department of Justice noted that while the crime gun initiative’s personnel costs will be covered by a special one-time appropriation from the state Legislature, there are plans to request permanent funding for the program in the upcoming budget.
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