James Frietze

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

I was born and raised in Dona Ana County. I graduated from LCHS and NMSU. I applied and was then accepted to the 55th NM State Police Recruit School. I am the third of four Frietze’s that have served/retired from the NMSP.

I entered law enforcement because I wanted a career that was not typical or mundane and where I could make a difference either in the community and/or in someone's life. I served for 25 years and retired honorably as the Commander of the Las Cruces District. I served 13 years as a supervisor, nine years on the Tactical Team, and five years on the Crisis Negotiations Team. 

I assisted at the NM State Police Academy and served in the Uniform and Investigations Bureaus. I currently serve as a Commissioner on the Department of Public Safety Advisory Board, appointed by the governor. I am also a mental health instructor for first responders.

I have volunteered as a Cub/Boy Scout Leader, NM Dept. of Game and Fish hunter's education instructor, and substitute teacher with the Las Cruces Public Schools.

I currently serve as a private investigator, contracting with State Risk Management, the Association of Counties, and the Municipal League to investigate their insurance claims. I also conduct background investigations for local law enforcement agencies in New Mexico and assist with law enforcement promotional assessments and internal investigations. 

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?

The Office of the Sheriff has failed to properly support the commissioned and civilian staff of the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office and has failed to cooperate with local justice partners. I would build a culture of trust, support, and belonging for the commissioned and civilian staff. This will be the foundation on which to build and move forward with strategic, long-term goals, including working with local justice partners. 

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

I have spoken about this at events. I would mandate three to five mandatory public contacts with community members in the respective patrol districts by patrol deputies during the day and mid-shifts. These contacts would be outside of the calls of service.

These contacts would humanize the deputies and the community members. It will create and personalize relationships and improve trust between the Doña Ana Sheriff's Office and the community we serve. 

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

There are various ways to measure success within a law enforcement organization. Retention of commissioned personnel and increased recruitment are just two ways to measure success. Other ways include solved crimes, increased arrests, and decreased criminal activity/crashes.

Information that would not be released is information that would jeopardize any operations, including joint operations. General information, such as the number of citations, specific reports, and arrests, would be released to the public. Personnel matters would only be shared with the public in accordance with Dona Ana County employees' rights. 

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?

There would be "zero tolerance" regarding juveniles who violate the firearm laws. Working with the District Attorney's Office and the judicial system towards this goal is paramount. Sharing intelligence regarding the theft of firearms with local agencies, including suspects' information, would be imperative to arrest the individuals responsible for these crimes after a legal and proper investigation.

Working with local law enforcement agencies to enter data into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network is also a key element in identifying and linking firearms used in crimes. 

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 proven leadership that spans a successful 25-year career where I retired honorably. I'm committed to improving the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office to better serve the community, and I can do so based on my extensive experience and exposure to incidents, including personnel matters.

I understand that teamwork is essential in this endeavor and am committed to working with other law enforcement agencies, criminal justice partners, and civic organizations to build a better community for all of us. I am also endorsed by the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Union to be their next leader.