2022 Primary Election: Valencia County Sheriff

Valencia County sheriff

Republican

Denise Vigil (I)

Age: 51

Occupation:  Sheriff of Valencia County

Education: High school diploma; New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy

Previous elected political offices: Valencia County Sheriff

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I have 20 years of law enforcement experience (14 years with Los Lunas Police Department; six years with the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office). I am a graduate of the NM Law Enforcement Academy and the Northwestern University Executive Management Program. I have completed numerous professional law enforcement courses/trainings that total 1,500 plus hours.”

2. A challenge facing every law enforcement agency across the state is successful recruitment and long-term retention. How would you address these issues?

“While recruitment is a challenge across the nation, I feel it is important to appreciate and acknowledge the deputies’ dedication and effort. Their input and opinions are considered when making decisions that directly affect them. I strive to ensure deputies are provided with the tools to do their jobs.”

3. How will you lead the sheriff’s office in creating more positive interactions with the community?

“We are evolving into limited online reporting, so the deputies can be proactive in the community. I know the importance of community relations for deputies and the residents of Valencia County. This will give them the ability to have meaningful communication with residents they meet, in good or bad situations.”

 

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Democrat

Rodney Jones

Age: 56

Occupation: Isleta Tribal Council/ business owner (gunsmithing)

Education: BA in business management, Associate in criminal justice and gunsmithing

Previous elected political offices: Isleta Tribal Council

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? No

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I have 22 years of LE experience in a supervisory role, investigations and field work.  I hold an associates in CJ, and bachelors in business management. I served as chief judge for Isleta Tribal Court and currently hold the seat of council secretary for Isleta Tribal Council. Also business owner.”

2. A challenge facing every law enforcement agency across the state is successful recruitment and long-term retention. How would you address these issues?

“Start a LE program with LL/Belen Schools to get young people interested in police work.  Service aide program upon graduation. Retention by creating specialty assignments that deputies can rotate into. Work with county manager and commission to have a competitive pay and benefits package, along with grant writing.”

3. How will you lead the sheriff’s office in creating more positive interactions with the community?

“I will lead by example. Community policing is key to building trust, requiring face-to-face interactions building open lines of communication. Creating convenience store substations. Building relationships with our Schools with “Keeping it Real” programs.  Recognizing communities’ mental health challenges and available resources to combat these social issues.”

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