New Mexico Action Guide
State-Specific Tactics to Restore Police Radio Transparency
New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) recognizes that "representative government is dependent upon an informed electorate." Yet Albuquerque Police has encrypted some channels, threatening 75 years of public access. This guide provides tools to preserve transparency in the Land of Enchantment.
New Mexico's Encryption Landscape
Understanding the current state of police radio transparency
New Mexico is at a critical juncture for police radio transparency. The Albuquerque Police Department has encrypted some channels, including tactical (TAC) channels used for dispatch. The state operates the NM-DTRS (Digital Trunked Radio System) managed by the Department of Information Technology, which provides modern digital capabilities statewide.
Community concerns about transparency are growing. After 75 years of public access, any move toward full encryption would represent a dramatic shift. New Mexico's strong IPRA law and active civil liberties community provide tools to fight back and preserve the transparency that communities depend on.
New Mexico Radio System Infrastructure
Major City Encryption Status
Current state of scanner access in New Mexico's cities
Albuquerque
Partially EncryptedAlbuquerque Police Department has encrypted TAC channels which are used for dispatch. Some channels remain in the clear, but community members have expressed concerns about potential expansion of encryption. The city invested $38 million in new radio infrastructure.
- Population: ~565,000
- County: Bernalillo County
- Encrypted: TAC/dispatch channels
- System: New $38M radio system
Santa Fe (State Capital)
AccessibleSanta Fe public safety communications are dispatched through the DoIT Santa Fe Control Dispatch Center, which provides statewide radio dispatch services to state agencies.
- Population: ~88,000
- County: Santa Fe County
- System: NM-DTRS
Las Cruces
AccessibleLas Cruces public safety communications remain accessible through the statewide system.
- Population: ~111,000
- County: Dona Ana County
Rio Rancho
AccessibleRio Rancho, part of the Albuquerque metro area, maintains accessible communications.
- Population: ~105,000
- County: Sandoval County
NM State Police
AccessibleNew Mexico State Police operates on the NM-DTRS system with publicly accessible frequencies.
- Coverage: Statewide
- System: NM-DTRS
Key New Mexico Contacts
The people who can make change happen
State Legislature
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Executive BranchWhy Contact: The Governor can influence statewide transparency policies and direct state agencies including DoIT.
- Phone: (505) 476-2200
- Address: State Capitol, Room 400, Santa Fe, NM 87501
- Lt. Governor: (505) 476-2250
- Website: governor.state.nm.us
House & Senate Judiciary Committees
Key CommitteesWhy Contact: These standing committees handle legislation related to public records, law enforcement, and IPRA enforcement.
- House Committees: 14 standing committees
- Senate Committees: 9 standing committees
- Capitol Switchboard: (505) 986-4600
- Website: nmlegis.gov
Your State Legislators
Your RepresentativesWhy Contact: Your senator and representative have the most incentive to respond to constituent concerns.
- Find My Legislator: (505) 986-4300
- Chief Clerk - House: (505) 986-4751
- Chief Clerk - Senate: (505) 986-4714
- Website: nmlegis.gov
State Agencies
NM Department of Information Technology
NM-DTRS AdministratorWhy Contact: DoIT operates the statewide NM-DTRS radio system and the Santa Fe Control Dispatch Center. Decisions about statewide encryption policies may flow through DoIT.
- Website: doit.nm.gov
- Radio Info: Public Safety Radio Communications
NM Department of Justice (Attorney General)
IPRA EnforcementWhy Contact: The AG enforces IPRA and publishes the IPRA Compliance Guide, the go-to reference across New Mexico.
- Website: nmdoj.gov - IPRA
- IPRA Guide: Available on DOJ website
Media & Press Organizations
Albuquerque Journal
State's Largest DailyWhy Contact: New Mexico's largest newspaper, directly affected by APD encryption and experienced in public records advocacy.
- Website: abqjournal.com
Santa Fe New Mexican
Capital City DailyWhy Contact: The oldest newspaper company in the West, covering local news, arts, and state government since 1849.
- Website: santafenewmexican.com
New Mexico Press Association
Press Freedom AllyWhy Contact: Serving New Mexico's newspapers since 1901, NMPA advocates for press freedom and public access.
- Website: nmpress.org
ACLU of New Mexico
Civil Liberties AllyWhy Contact: ACLU-NM has been active on police accountability issues in Albuquerque and can provide legal expertise.
- Website: aclu-nm.org
IPRA Requests (Inspection of Public Records Act)
New Mexico's sunshine law provides strong public access rights
New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) recognizes that "representative government is dependent upon an informed electorate." Records custodians must respond within 15 calendar days, or within 3 business days if records are readily available. Fees are limited to $1.00 per page maximum for documents 11x17 or smaller. The public has the right to take legal action if denied access.
New Mexico-Specific IPRA Templates
Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation
Purpose: Prove there's no evidence scanner access has harmed officers
Pursuant to New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, Sections 14-2-1 et seq.), I request inspection and copies of the following public records:
- All documented incidents, reports, or investigations where public access to police radio scanner communications resulted in:
- Injury or harm to any officer or personnel
- Compromise of any tactical operation
- Flight or escape of any suspect
- Interference with any emergency response
If no responsive records exist, please provide written confirmation of that fact.
This request is made in the public interest. Please provide records electronically to minimize costs.
Name: [YOUR NAME]
Address: [YOUR ADDRESS]
Telephone: [YOUR PHONE]
Email: [YOUR EMAIL]
Template 2: Encryption Decision Documents
Purpose: Document how encryption decisions were made
Pursuant to New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, Sections 14-2-1 et seq.), I request inspection and copies of the following public records:
- All internal communications regarding the decision to encrypt any police radio communications, from January 1, 2020 through present.
- All city council, police oversight board, or public meeting minutes where radio encryption was discussed or approved.
- Any policies or procedures regarding which radio channels are encrypted and which remain accessible.
- Any cost analyses or vendor proposals related to the $38 million radio system upgrade and encryption capabilities.
- Any correspondence with the Department of Information Technology regarding encryption on NM-DTRS.
Template 3: Media Access and Public Notification
Purpose: Document alternative access and notification systems
Pursuant to New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, Sections 14-2-1 et seq.), I request inspection and copies of the following public records:
- Any policies or procedures allowing media or press access to encrypted police radio channels.
- Any agreements with news organizations regarding scanner access.
- Any plans or systems for providing the public with emergency information that was previously available via scanner.
- Any documentation of public notification systems implemented as alternatives to scanner access.
- Any public comment or stakeholder input received regarding encryption decisions.
New Mexico IPRA Tips
- 15-Day Response: Agencies must respond within 15 calendar days
- 3-Day Fast Track: If records are readily available, agencies must provide within 3 business days
- Fee Limits: Maximum $1.00 per page for standard documents; electronic copies at actual cost
- No Reason Required: You don't need to state why you want the records
- Legal Action: The public, AG, and district attorneys can file suits for IPRA violations
- AG Guide: The Attorney General's IPRA Compliance Guide is the go-to reference for both officials and requesters
Focus: Albuquerque Police Transparency
New Mexico's largest city is the key target for advocacy
The Albuquerque Police Department is the primary focus for transparency advocacy in New Mexico. APD has encrypted some TAC channels used for dispatch, and community members have expressed concerns about potential expansion of encryption. The $38 million radio system investment includes encryption capability, making advocacy now essential.
APD has been under federal oversight due to a consent decree related to use of force issues. This oversight environment creates both challenges and opportunities - while the department may resist additional scrutiny, the consent decree demonstrates the importance of accountability mechanisms including public access to police operations.
Consent Decree Context
APD's federal consent decree highlights the need for police accountability. Argue that encryption undermines the transparency necessary for community oversight and trust-building that the consent decree aims to achieve.
City Council Engagement
The Albuquerque City Council oversees APD. Request that encryption policy be agendized for public discussion. Emphasize the 75 years of public access that would be lost with full encryption.
Media Coalition
The Albuquerque Journal and local TV stations depend on scanner access. Build a coalition with media organizations to advocate for press access programs and oppose full encryption.
Community Policing Argument
If public safety goes dark after 75 years in the clear, the loss of transparency could harm community trust and undermine community policing efforts that depend on open communication.
Local Actions: City Council & County Commission
Local engagement is key to preserving transparency in New Mexico
Albuquerque City Council
The City Council oversees APD and can establish transparency requirements for police communications.
Template: Transparency Policy Request
Dear [COUNCIL MEMBER NAME],
I am writing regarding the Albuquerque Police Department's radio encryption policy and the preservation of public access to police communications.
APD has been serving Albuquerque with accessible public safety communications for 75 years. This access has enabled journalists to cover emergencies, families to stay informed about safety threats, and the community to hold law enforcement accountable.
As APD implements its new $38 million radio system, I respectfully request that the Council:
- Hold a public hearing on encryption policy before any expansion of encrypted channels
- Require documentation of specific incidents justifying encryption
- Establish a media access program providing journalists real-time or minimally delayed access
- Create a public notification system to replace information previously available via scanner
Given APD's consent decree and the need for community trust, preserving transparency should be a priority.
Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[PHONE/EMAIL]
Preventing Statewide Encryption
Advocacy at the state level can establish transparency requirements for the NM-DTRS system.
Key Questions for State Officials
- "What policies govern encryption decisions on the NM-DTRS system?"
- "Is encryption the default setting or must agencies opt in?"
- "How is the $170 million infrastructure upgrade affecting transparency?"
- "What role does DoIT play in local agency encryption decisions?"
- "Are there statewide standards for media access to encrypted communications?"
State-Level Advocacy Tips
- Engage DoIT - The Department of Information Technology controls the statewide system
- Legislative approach - Work with the Judiciary Committee on transparency legislation
- NMPA partnership - The New Mexico Press Association can provide media coalition leadership
- IPRA strength - Emphasize that IPRA's principles should extend to radio communications
Take Action Now
Concrete steps you can take today to preserve transparency
File IPRA Requests
Request scanner harm documentation from APD and other agencies. A "no records" response proves encryption isn't justified by actual incidents.
Engage DoIT
Contact the Department of Information Technology about NM-DTRS encryption policies. Advocate for transparency as the default statewide.
Contact Albuquerque City Council
Request a public hearing on APD encryption policy. Emphasize the 75 years of transparency and the consent decree context.
Build Media Coalitions
Connect with the Albuquerque Journal, Santa Fe New Mexican, and NMPA. Support their advocacy for press access programs.
Work with ACLU-NM
ACLU of New Mexico has experience with APD accountability issues. Coordinate your advocacy with their ongoing work.
New Mexico Resources & Links
Everything you need for your advocacy campaign
Government Resources
IPRA Resources
Activist Playbook
Take Action for Transparency
Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.
Contact Your Representatives
Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.
Get StartedRead Case Studies
See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.
View CasesSpread Awareness
Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.
Public Testimony
Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.
Prepare to Speak