The police are law enforcement officers who usually take an oath (make a promise) to protect and serve their communities. Police officers—or collectively, police departments—enforce laws, investigate potential crimes, and make arrests.
In New Mexico, as in other states, police officers are sworn law enforcement officials who have taken an oath to protect and serve the public. Their primary responsibilities include enforcing state and local laws, investigating crimes, and apprehending individuals suspected of committing offenses. Police departments operate at various levels, including municipal (local city or town), county, and state (New Mexico State Police). They work in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies when necessary. The authority of police officers to enforce laws, conduct investigations, and make arrests is derived from state statutes and is also governed by federal laws and constitutional protections, such as the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.