Eugene Alvarez

Provide a short bio of yourself and tell us how you got into public service?

I was born and raised in Dona Ana County and graduated from the New Mexico State Police Academy in1984. Served in Espanola, Santa Fe, and retiring in Las Cruces.

I was then hired as an in-school suspension teacher at Santa Teresa Middle School. transferred to Santa Teresa High School as a substitute teacher for eight years. I completed my bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration and masters in secondary education with endorsements in social studies and physical education.

I then moved to Centennial High School in Las Cruces as a school resource officer serving at middle school and elementary schools. I then moved to Gadsden Middle as school resource office to current years. I have 40 years of public service in law enforcement and education. I also served on the NAMI board national association of mental illness.

What is one thing the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office is not doing well right now—and what is the first thing you would change?

First, establish a mental crisis response team with deputies and mental health professionals similar to LCPD and Fire Department. The office needs more specialized equipment with 21^st-century technology.

What would your deputies do differently on the street under your leadership that the public would actually notice?

Community policing with deputies attending community meetings and building relationships with people and stakeholders.

How would you measure whether your department is succeeding—and what numbers would you make public?

Publicly submit crime statics monthly and measure outcomes. Analyze data and share with the public with community feedback a must.

We’re seeing more incidents involving young people and guns—what specifically would you change in how the sheriff’s office handles juveniles with firearms and what is the role of the office in relation to city and state police?

Guns are finding their way into our kids’ hands. I see it every day. Focus investigations into weapon cases with help from LCPD and federal authorities with follow-up with specific task force officers.

Crime has no boundaries, so law enforcement must work as one team. The sheriff’s office will collaborate closely with city and state police so criminals cannot escape justice by crossing jurisdictional lines.

In a field this large, why are you the one candidate who should consolidate the vote—and what makes you different from the others in the race?

I have law enforcement and education experience supported by a master’s degree. I know how to bring people together to fix problems, leave egos at the door and focus on the public safety mission putting public safety first and forget personal agendas.