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As a matter of law and statute, the Guard operates only under civil authority when activated for missions in the state, filling a non-law enforcement role.
Source: New Mexico National Guard (via Facebook)
Photo By Iain Jaramillo, NMNG Public Affairs Office: Courtesy
SANTA FE, N.M. – Following an Executive Order issued by NM Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the New Mexico National Guard has begun an intense 38-day training program in order to support the Albuquerque Police Department with ongoing public safety challenges in the city, particularly along the Central Avenue Corridor and other areas.
Operation Zia Shield is scheduled to begin mid-May once the Soldiers and Airmen have completed their training.
As a matter of law and statute, the Guard operates only under civil authority when activated for missions in the state, filling a non-law enforcement role.
“At the direction of the Governor, we are eager to work with our law enforcement partners in Albuquerque as part of a collective effort to make the community safer,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the NM National Guard Adjutant General and a retired NM State Police officer. “The National Guard has experience supporting New Mexico’s law enforcement agencies, and we’re working hard to get our Soldiers and Airmen trained for this important mission. Our assistance to APD will enable a larger, steady law enforcement presence that makes a lasting and positive difference in the community.”
Between 60 -70 Guardsmen, all of whom volunteered for this mission, will receive their training in classrooms in the Santa Fe National Guard Readiness Center (formerly known as an armory). Classes range from providing first aid to law enforcement radio procedures, with the goal of supplementing sworn law enforcement officers.
“The men and women of the New Mexico National Guard will be ready for deployment in mid-May, and they will provide a range of logistical and technical support, making more APD officers available to respond to emergency calls,” Aguilar said.
The National Guard is not a law enforcement agency, nor do Guardsmen have the same authority as police officers, but the Guard does routinely assist LEOs with additional personnel and resources. The Guardsmen will not be armed for this support mission, or in military uniform. They’ll wear civilian clothing that clearly identifies them as National Guard members.
“This type of mission isn’t new to us,” said Aguilar. “During the wildfires in Ruidoso, our first task was augmenting law enforcement and manning security checkpoints,” said Aguilar. “Many of the same Soldiers and Airmen who provided security and rescued New Mexicans during the fires and floods this past year are part of the new mission in Albuquerque.”
National Guard personnel will assist in multiple support areas including:
- Scene security and traffic control at critical incidents
- Medical assistance and humanitarian efforts along Central Avenue
- Prisoner Transport Unit assistance
- Transit security enhancement
- Metro Court security support
- Aviation/Sunport security assistance
- Shield Unit case preparation support
- APD Drone Program operational assistance
