Governor Bill Richardson Proposes Bold $6.4 Million Pay Raise Package for State Law Enforcement

SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson today announced a $6.4 million pay package for state police officers, special investigations division officers and motor transportation division officers. The compensation package is intended to help recruit and retain State Police Officers throughout New Mexico.

“Our State Police Officers are at New Mexico’s front line in combating crime, especially in rural areas,” said Governor Richardson. “This pay package will help keep officers on the street and get the best candidates into our State Police ranks.”

Under the Governor’s proposal, State Police officers will receive an average pay increase of 17.3%; special investigations division officers will receive an average 20.2% increase; and motor transportation division officers will see an average 18% pay raise. 

 According to a recent study of 10 law enforcement agencies, State Police Officers currently rank 6th in the state for pay and motor transportation division officers rank 10th. Concern about salaries has prompted some officers to leave the State Police for higher paying jobs with other agencies.  

“I look forward to working with the legislature to get these officers the pay raise they deserve,” said Governor Richardson.