Introduction to New Mexico Law Enforcement

New Mexico's law enforcement landscape consists of a multi-tiered system comprising state, county, and municipal agencies serving a population of approximately 2.1 million residents across 121,590 square miles. The state employs roughly 5,400 sworn law enforcement officers across more than 100 agencies, with an estimated annual combined law enforcement budget exceeding $800 million. This decentralized structure reflects New Mexico's unique geographic challenges, including vast rural areas, tribal lands, and border security concerns along its 180-mile boundary with Mexico.

The New Mexico State Police serves as the primary state-level law enforcement agency with statewide jurisdiction, employing approximately 550 sworn officers. The agency operates independently from county sheriffs and municipal police departments, handling highway patrol duties, criminal investigations, and support services for smaller jurisdictions. New Mexico's 33 counties each maintain elected sheriff's offices with constitutional authority throughout their respective counties, including unincorporated areas and, in many cases, mutual aid agreements with municipalities.

Municipal police departments operate in incorporated cities and towns, with the largest being the Albuquerque Police Department (approximately 950 officers), Rio Rancho Police Department, Las Cruces Police Department, and Santa Fe Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within city limits and exercise primary law enforcement authority in their municipalities. Also, specialized agencies include the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, New Mexico State Parks Division, and numerous tribal police departments serving the state's 23 Native American pueblos, tribes, and nations, which maintain concurrent or exclusive jurisdiction on tribal lands under federal and tribal law.

New Mexico State Police

The New Mexico State Police (NMSP), operating under the Cabinet-level New Mexico Department of Public Safety, serves as the state's premier law enforcement agency with comprehensive statewide jurisdiction. Established in 1933, the NMSP employs approximately 550 sworn officers and 300 civilian personnel across seven operational districts headquartered in Santa Fe. The agency's annual budget approximates $90 million, funded primarily through state general fund appropriations and federal grants.

The NMSP maintains several specialized divisions including the Investigations Bureau (handling major crimes, narcotics, and special investigations), the Uniform Bureau (traffic enforcement and highway patrol), the Training and Recruiting Division, the Communications Division, and specialized units such as the Tactical Team, K-9 Unit, and Aviation Section. The agency's jurisdiction extends to all state highways, interstate systems, and criminal matters throughout New Mexico, with particular emphasis on rural areas lacking municipal police presence.

To request crash reports from the New Mexico State Police, individuals must submit requests to the NMSP Records Section at 4491 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507. The standard fee for motor vehicle crash reports is $7.00 per report, payable by check or money order made out to "New Mexico Department of Public Safety." Requesters must provide the crash report number, date of incident, location, and names of parties involved. The NMSP typically processes crash report requests within 5-10 business days of receipt.

For online access, New Mexico provides crash reports through the state's official portal at buycrash.com/nm, where approved reports can be purchased electronically for $7.00 using a credit card. Reports typically become available online 7-14 days after the incident date. This system handles crashes investigated by NMSP officers; crashes investigated by municipal or county agencies must be requested from those specific departments.

The NMSP Investigations Bureau conducts complex criminal investigations including homicides, officer-involved shootings, public corruption, computer crimes, and narcotics trafficking. The agency's Special Investigations Division includes the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, and officers assigned to various federal multi-agency initiatives. Requests for investigative records must be directed to the specific district office handling the case, and many investigative files remain confidential under ongoing investigation exceptions or criminal procedural rules.

Public records requests unrelated to crash reports should be submitted to the NMSP Public Records Custodian via mail at PO Box 1628, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628, or by email to DPS.IPRARequests@state.nm.us. The agency follows the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) with standard response timeframes and fee schedules for document reproduction and research time.

How to Request Police Records in New Mexico

New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act, codified at NMSA 1978 §§ 14-2-1 through 14-2-12, grants broad public access to government records, including law enforcement documents, with specific exemptions for sensitive information. Understanding the request process for different record types ensures efficient access to police documentation.

Incident Reports

Any person may request police incident reports in New Mexico under IPRA, regardless of involvement in the incident. Requests should be submitted to the specific law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, municipal police for incidents within city limits, county sheriffs for unincorporated areas, or state police for highway incidents. Most agencies provide standardized public records request forms on their websites or at their records divisions.

The Albuquerque Police Department, for example, accepts requests through its Records Section at 400 Roma Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, or via their online portal. Standard incident reports cost $0.50 per page for the first 50 pages, then $0.25 per page thereafter. The department must respond to requests within 15 business days, either providing the records, denying the request with legal justification, or providing a specific date when records will be available if additional time is needed.

Fees vary by agency but typically range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page. Some agencies charge research fees if requests require more than one hour of staff time, generally calculated at the hourly rate of the employee conducting the search. Most agencies waive fees for requests totaling less than $5.00.

Arrest Records

Arrest records are generally public information in New Mexico, though certain details may be redacted. Basic booking information, including name, age, charges, arrest date, and booking photograph, is typically available through county detention facilities. The Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque provides online inmate lookup at bernco.gov/detention-center, while other counties maintain similar systems or provide information by phone.

However, arrest records for juvenile offenders remain confidential under the New Mexico Children's Code (NMSA 1978 § 32A-2-32). Records involving victims of certain crimes, particularly sexual offenses and domestic violence, may have identifying information redacted. Sealed or expunged arrest records are not publicly accessible and require court orders for release.

Traffic and Crash Reports

Traffic crash reports are available through the investigating agency, either municipal police, county sheriff, or New Mexico State Police. As noted previously, NMSP crash reports can be obtained online through buycrash.com/nm for $7.00 per report. Municipal departments maintain their own systems; Albuquerque residents can request crash reports through APD's Records Section, while Las Cruces provides reports through the Las Cruces Police Department Records Bureau at 217 E. Picacho Avenue.

Traffic citations are public records available through the issuing agency and subsequently through the New Mexico Courts system once filed. The New Mexico Judicial Branch provides online case lookup at nmcourts.gov for traffic violations processed through municipal and magistrate courts.

Body Camera Footage

New Mexico law treats body-worn camera footage as public records subject to IPRA, with important exceptions. Under NMSA 1978 § 29-1-14, law enforcement agencies must retain body camera footage for at least 120 days, with longer retention for footage related to arrests, citations, use of force, complaints, or ongoing investigations. Footage depicting the interior of private residences, victims of sexual assault or domestic violence, minors, and medical information may be exempt from disclosure or heavily redacted.

Requesting body camera footage requires submitting a detailed IPRA request specifying the date, time, location, and officers involved in the incident. Agencies may charge substantial fees for reviewing and redacting footage, calculated at employee hourly rates. The Albuquerque Police Department, for instance, charges for the time required to locate, review, and redact footage, which can amount to hundreds of dollars for lengthy recordings. Agencies must respond within 15 business days but may extend deadlines for complex requests requiring extensive review.

911 Call Recordings

Emergency 911 call recordings are generally public records in New Mexico, though portions may be redacted to protect victim privacy, ongoing investigations, or other exemptions under IPRA. Requests should be directed to the specific dispatch center that received the call, typically a county communications center or municipal dispatch facility. The Bernalillo County Communications Center, for example, handles 911 calls for Albuquerque and unincorporated Bernalillo County areas.

Agencies may charge for the time required to locate, review, and duplicate recordings. Processing times vary from several days to several weeks depending on the age of the recording and the complexity of required redactions.

Filing a Formal IPRA Request

To file a formal Inspection of Public Records Act request with a New Mexico law enforcement agency, submit a written request (email is acceptable) to the agency's designated records custodian. The request should include: (1) your name and contact information; (2) a detailed description of the records sought, including dates, case numbers, names, and locations; (3) your preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic, or inspection); and (4) acknowledgment that you will pay reasonable fees.

Agencies must respond within 15 business days. If the agency needs additional time, they must provide a written explanation and specific date when records will be available. If the agency denies the request, they must cite specific IPRA exemptions. Denials may be appealed to the New Mexico Attorney General's Office or challenged in district court.

Criminal Justice Information in New Mexico

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository for criminal history records through its Records and Identification Bureau, located at 4491 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507. This repository, operating under the authority of NMSA 1978 § 29-10-1 et seq., collects, maintains, and disseminates criminal history record information (CHRI) for individuals arrested or charged with crimes in New Mexico.

Criminal history records in New Mexico are not considered public records under IPRA. Access to CHRI is restricted to authorized entities including law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, individuals requesting their own records, and organizations conducting background checks for employment, licensing, or other statutorily authorized purposes. The New Mexico CHRI system contains arrest records, charging documents, court dispositions, and corrections information submitted by agencies throughout the state.

Individuals may obtain their own criminal history records by submitting a notarized request form along with a complete set of fingerprints to the Department of Public Safety Records Bureau. The fingerprint-based background check costs $44.00 ($30.00 state fee plus $14.00 FBI fee for the national component). Fingerprinting services are available through private vendors, law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Public Safety's fingerprinting office by appointment.

Employers and licensing agencies authorized under state or federal law may request background checks through approved channelers or directly through the Department of Public Safety. Healthcare facilities, childcare providers, educational institutions, and other organizations working with vulnerable populations commonly require these checks under New Mexico licensing statutes. The turnaround time for fingerprint-based checks typically ranges from 3-10 business days, though FBI processing may extend timelines during high-volume periods.

New Mexico criminal records generally remain on file indefinitely unless sealed or expunged by court order. The state's expungement laws, significantly expanded under the Criminal Record Expungement Act (NMSA 1978 § 29-3A-1 through 29-3A-8), allow individuals to petition for expungement of certain arrests and convictions. Arrest records resulting in dismissals, acquittals, or non-convictions may be expunged, as may certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after waiting periods ranging from one to ten years, depending on the offense. Successfully expunged records are removed from public access and CHRI databases, though law enforcement retains sealed copies for limited purposes.

The New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts maintains separate records of court proceedings through the statewide Odyssey case management system, accessible online at nmcourts.gov. While criminal history records from DPS require authorized access, court records are generally public and searchable by name, case number, or party. These systems provide complementary but distinct information, CHRI focuses on arrests and criminal justice processing, while court records document judicial proceedings and outcomes.

New Mexico Attorney General & Statewide Law Enforcement

The New Mexico Attorney General's Office, currently headed by an elected Attorney General serving a four-year term, functions as the state's chief legal officer and maintains significant law enforcement authority through its Criminal Affairs Division. Located at 408 Galisteo Street in Santa Fe with additional offices in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, the AG's office employs prosecutors, investigators, and support staff handling complex criminal matters beyond local jurisdiction.

The Criminal Affairs Division prosecutes cases involving Medicaid fraud, public corruption, securities fraud, antitrust violations, and crimes against children. The division's Special Prosecutions Unit handles cases where local district attorneys have conflicts of interest or lack resources for complex investigations. The Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit works collaboratively with federal and local law enforcement to investigate online child exploitation and trafficking.

The AG's office coordinates several multi-agency task forces addressing statewide criminal threats. The New Mexico Financial Crimes Task Force combines resources from state, federal, and local agencies to investigate money laundering, fraud, and financial exploitation. The Border Security Task Force coordinates efforts among county sheriffs, municipal police, state police, and federal agencies along New Mexico's southern border, addressing drug trafficking, human smuggling, and cross-border crime.

The Consumer and Environmental Protection Division, while primarily civil, works with law enforcement on cases involving consumer fraud, environmental crimes, and deceptive trade practices. The division maintains a consumer complaint hotline and investigates businesses engaged in fraudulent activities affecting New Mexico residents.

Public records requests to the Attorney General's Office should be directed to the Office of the General Counsel, which serves as the IPRA custodian. Due to the sensitive nature of ongoing criminal investigations and attorney-client privileged materials, many AG records are exempt from disclosure, though closed case files and administrative records may be accessible under IPRA.

Sex Offender Registry in New Mexico

New Mexico's Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), codified at NMSA 1978 § 29-11A-1 through 29-11A-8, implements the state's sex offender registry in compliance with federal requirements under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains the registry, which contains information on individuals convicted of sex offenses who reside, work, or attend school in New Mexico.

The registry categorizes offenders into three tiers based on offense severity. Tier I offenders (lowest risk) must register for 15 years, Tier II offenders for 25 years, and Tier III offenders (highest risk, including aggravated offenses and repeat offenders) must register for life. Offenders must register within three business days of establishing residence in New Mexico or within three business days of release from incarceration. Registration requirements include providing current address, employment information, vehicle information, photographs, and DNA samples.

The public registry, searchable at nmsexoffender.dps.state.nm.us, provides information on Tier II and Tier III offenders, including names, photographs, physical descriptions, addresses (street name and city, but not exact house numbers for most offenders), conviction offenses, and risk level. Tier I offenders are not included in the public registry but remain in the law enforcement database. The registry allows searches by name, city, county, or ZIP code, and provides mapping features showing offender concentrations by area.

Registered sex offenders must verify their registration information periodically, Tier I and II offenders every six months, Tier III offenders every three months. Failure to register or update information constitutes a fourth-degree felony punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment. Schools, childcare facilities, and community organizations may request notification of registered sex offenders in their areas through the Department of Public Safety.

New Mexico law prohibits using registry information to harass, threaten, or discriminate against registered offenders or their families. The information is provided for public safety purposes only, and misuse may result in criminal prosecution under NMSA 1978 § 29-11A-5.1.

Wanted Lists & Crime Data in New Mexico

New Mexico law enforcement agencies maintain wanted fugitive lists through various platforms. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety publishes a Most Wanted list on its website featuring individuals sought for serious crimes including homicide, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. Each listing includes photographs, physical descriptions, known aliases, charges, and contact information for submitting tips.

County sheriff's offices maintain warrant lists for their jurisdictions, typically accessible through their websites or by contacting their warrant divisions. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, and other larger agencies provide online warrant searches. These databases include individuals with active arrest warrants for failures to appear, probation violations, and criminal charges.

The New Mexico Corrections Department maintains an Absconder list of individuals who have absconded from parole or probation supervision, searchable at cd.nm.gov. This system provides photographs and information about escapees and absconders wanted by corrections authorities.

Crime statistics for New Mexico are compiled through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which replaced the traditional Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety's Crime Reporting Unit collects crime data from law enforcement agencies statewide and submits reports to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division. Annual crime statistics, including data on violent crimes, property crimes, drug offenses, and arrests, are published in the annual Crime in New Mexico report, available through the DPS website.

The New Mexico Statistical Analysis Center, housed within the Department of Public Safety, provides detailed crime analysis, research reports, and data visualization tools. Researchers, policymakers, and the public can access county-level and statewide crime trends, clearance rates, and demographic information about arrests and victimization.

Individual agencies also publish crime data and statistics. The Albuquerque Police Department provides crime mapping tools and statistical summaries through its website, allowing residents to view crime patterns in their neighborhoods. These tools typically display incident types, dates, and general locations while protecting victim privacy.

Police Accountability & Misconduct Records

New Mexico's approach to police accountability and access to misconduct records has evolved significantly in recent years. Under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, records of sustained complaints against police officers, disciplinary actions, and internal affairs investigations are generally considered public records, though agencies have historically resisted disclosure citing personnel privacy exemptions under NMSA 1978 § 14-2-1(A).

The New Mexico Supreme Court's decision in Bernalillo County Sheriff v. New Mexico Corrections Department established that sustained findings of misconduct involving law enforcement officers are public records that must be disclosed under IPRA. This ruling requires agencies to release records showing sustained violations of policy, disciplinary actions imposed, and final dispositions of misconduct complaints, though pre-disciplinary investigative materials and unsubstantiated complaints may remain confidential.

The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board maintains certification records for all peace officers in the state under NMSA 1978 § 29-7-1 through 29-7-13. The Board has authority to suspend or revoke officer certifications for serious misconduct, criminal convictions, or violations of professional standards. Certification revocations and suspensions are public information available through the Academy Board, located at 4491 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507.

Use-of-force reports present a complex area. While incident-level data is increasingly public, detailed reports may be withheld during ongoing investigations or criminal proceedings. The Albuquerque Police Department, operating under a federal consent decree since 2014, publishes quarterly use-of-force data and annual reports detailing incidents, force types, and demographic information. This transparency resulted from the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice following findings of constitutional violations.

Officer-involved shooting investigations in New Mexico are typically handled by multi-agency task forces to ensure independence. The protocols established under the New Mexico Law Enforcement Safe Act require specific procedures for investigating deadly force incidents. While investigative files may be withheld during active investigations and prosecutorial review, final reports and findings generally become public records once investigations conclude and any criminal proceedings are resolved.

Citizens may file complaints against law enforcement officers through agency internal affairs divisions. Most departments provide complaint forms online or at their facilities. The complaint process, investigation procedures, and outcomes for sustained complaints should be accessible under IPRA, though specific timelines and disclosure practices vary by agency. The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board also accepts complaints about certified officers and may investigate allegations of serious misconduct independently.

Traffic Violations & Driving Records

The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), operating under the Taxation and Revenue Department, maintains driving records for all licensed drivers in the state. Driver history records contain information about traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, DWI convictions, and points assessed under New Mexico's point system established in NMSA 1978 § 66-5-30.

Individuals may request their own driving records through the MVD's website at mvd.newmexico.gov, by mail to PO Box 1028, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028, or in person at any MVD field office. A certified three-year driving record costs $9.00, while a seven-year record (required for commercial driver's license holders) costs $12.00. Records can be ordered online with results delivered electronically or by mail. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days for mail requests and 24-48 hours for online orders.

New Mexico's point system assesses points for traffic violations, with accumulation of points leading to license suspension. Minor violations like speeding 1-15 mph over the limit carry 3 points, while serious offenses like reckless driving or DWI carry 8 points. Accumulating 7 points within one year results in a suspension notice and potential license suspension if the driver fails to attend a hearing or complete required driver improvement courses. Points remain on driving records for one year from the conviction date.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders face stricter standards under federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations and NMSA 1978 § 66-5-1 et seq. CDL violations, including those committed in personal vehicles, are reported to the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) and may result in CDL disqualification even for first-time offenses. Employers may access CDL records for current and prospective employees with written authorization.

Third parties, including employers and insurance companies, may obtain driving records with the driver's notarized consent. Insurance companies regularly review driving records to assess risk and determine premiums. Employers hiring drivers for commercial purposes routinely require driving record checks as part of the hiring process. The MVD follows the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), restricting disclosure of personal information without proper authorization or permissible use under 18 U.S.C. § 2721.

Traffic citations and violations are also recorded in the New Mexico courts system. The Judicial Branch's case lookup system at nmcourts.gov provides access to traffic court cases, including violations, fines, and dispositions. Magistrate and municipal courts handle most traffic matters, with records accessible through the statewide Odyssey system or individual court clerks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a police report in New Mexico?

Response times vary by agency and request complexity. Under the Inspection of Public Records Act, agencies must respond within 15 business days, either providing the records, explaining delays with a specific completion date, or denying the request with legal justification. Simple incident reports from municipal police departments often arrive within 3-7 business days, while complex requests involving multiple records or extensive redactions may take several weeks. The New Mexico State Police typically processes crash reports within 5-10 business days for mail requests, with online requests through buycrash.com often available the same day for reports more than two weeks old.

Are arrest records public in New Mexico?

Yes, arrest records are generally public information in New Mexico. Basic booking information, including name, charges, arrest date, and booking photographs, is accessible through county detention centers and law enforcement agencies. However, arrest records for juveniles are confidential under the Children's Code, and records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not publicly accessible. Also, agencies may redact victim information and details that could compromise ongoing investigations. Criminal history record information (CHRI) maintained by the Department of Public Safety is not public and requires authorized access, but court records of criminal proceedings are generally public through the courts system.

How much does a background check cost in New Mexico?

A fingerprint-based criminal background check through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety costs $44.00, which includes a $30.00 state fee and a $14.00 FBI fee for the national criminal history component. This covers the state and federal criminal history records check. Fingerprinting services, required for the background check, cost an additional $10-$50 depending on the provider. Some employers and licensing agencies may use third-party background check services that charge additional fees for comprehensive reports including credit history, employment verification, and education verification. Basic court record searches through the New Mexico courts website are free for public access.

Can I get body camera footage from New Mexico police?

Yes, body-worn camera footage is subject to the Inspection of Public Records Act and may be requested from the law enforcement agency that recorded it. However, agencies may withhold or heavily redact footage that depicts the interior of private residences, victims of sexual assault or domestic violence, minors, medical situations, or information that would compromise ongoing investigations. Requesting body camera footage requires a detailed IPRA request specifying the date, time, location, and officers involved. Agencies may charge substantial fees for the time required to locate, review, and redact footage, calculated at employee hourly rates. The process can take several weeks for complex requests, and fees can reach hundreds of dollars for lengthy recordings requiring extensive review.

How do I find out if someone has a warrant in New Mexico?

Active arrest warrants can be checked through several sources. County sheriff's offices maintain warrant databases, with many providing online searches, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and other larger agencies offer warrant lookup tools on their websites. You can also contact the warrant division of the relevant county sheriff's office by phone. The New Mexico courts case lookup system at nmcourts.gov may show active warrants issued through court proceedings. Also, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety publishes a Most Wanted list for serious offenders with outstanding warrants. For definitive warrant verification, contact the court that issued the warrant or the sheriff's office in the county where the warrant was issued. Never attempt to verify a warrant on yourself by visiting a law enforcement facility, as you may be arrested on the spot.

Are police disciplinary records public in New Mexico?

Sustained findings of police misconduct and resulting disciplinary actions are generally public records in New Mexico under IPRA, following the state Supreme Court's interpretation that the public interest in police accountability outweighs privacy considerations. Agencies must disclose records showing sustained policy violations, disciplinary actions imposed, and final dispositions of misconduct complaints. However, unsubstantiated complaints, ongoing investigations, and pre-disciplinary investigative materials may be withheld as personnel records or investigative files. The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board also maintains records of officer certification suspensions and revocations, which are public information. Accessing these records typically requires filing an IPRA request with the specific law enforcement agency or the Academy Board.

How do I expunge a criminal record in New Mexico?

New Mexico's Criminal Record Expungement Act allows individuals to petition district courts for expungement of certain arrests and convictions. Arrests that did not result in conviction (dismissals, acquittals, no charges filed) may be expunged immediately. Misdemeanor convictions may be expunged one year after completing the sentence, while most felony convictions require a five-year waiting period. Some serious felonies, including violent crimes and sex offenses, are not eligible for expungement. The process requires filing a petition in the district court where the conviction occurred, paying filing fees (approximately $137 unless waived for indigence), and attending a hearing. The court considers factors including rehabilitation, public safety, and the nature of the offense. If granted, expungement orders are sent to all relevant agencies, which must seal or destroy the records. Successfully expunged records are removed from public access and background check databases, though law enforcement retains sealed copies for limited purposes. Many individuals seek attorney assistance with expungement petitions to ensure proper procedures and maximize success.

Where do I get a copy of a police report for insurance purposes in New Mexico?

Request police reports from the specific agency that responded to the incident. For crashes investigated by the New Mexico State Police, order reports online at buycrash.com/nm for $7.00, or mail requests to NMSP Records Section at 4491 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507. For incidents within city limits, contact the municipal police department's records division, for example, the Albuquerque Police Department Records Section at 400 Roma Ave NW, or the Las Cruces Police Department Records Bureau at 217 E. Picacho Avenue. County sheriff's offices handle incidents in unincorporated areas. Most agencies require the incident date, location, and names of involved parties. Fees typically range from $5-$10 per report. Insurance companies usually accept copies rather than certified reports, which reduces costs. Online systems often provide the fastest service, with reports available for download within minutes to days depending on the report age.