BLOOMFIELD, N.M. – Bloomfield is considering getting law enforcement and fire protection support from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office as the city’s police department continues to struggle with recruitment and retention.
According to an emailed statement by Mayor Cynthia Atencio drafted after consulting with city councilors on Thursday, the Bloomfield Police Department has lost five officers since January, bringing the number of officers down to 13.
The Farmington Daily Times reports Atencio says combining the police department with the sheriff’s office could reduce costs, develop economies of scale and reduce duplication of functions.
She also thinks the merger would allow for better training, recruitment and retention because it would provide more money for more officers.
She says the city will hold community discussions on the proposal once it finishes collecting facts and figures.
