Join the NMSP Lateral 12 Class
Answer the Call. Protect and Serve New Mexico.
STEP UP TO A CAREER
THAT CHALLENGES, EMPOWERS, AND ELEVATES YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT JOURNEY IN NEW MEXICO.
Our Lateral Program offers experienced officers competitive benefits, a strong support system, and opportunities to advance your career while making a difference in the communities of New Mexico. Ready to take the next step in your law enforcement career?
APPLICATION DEADLINE
FOR NEXT CLASS
Minimum Qualifications
Are You Eligible to Join?
Are you ready to join the ranks of New Mexico’s finest? Here’s what it takes to be eligible for the New Mexico State Police recruit program:
Basic Requirements
Age: You must be at least 21 years old by the time you graduate from the academy.
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required to serve with the New Mexico State Police.
Education & Character
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required to ensure a strong foundation for training.
Character: We uphold the highest standards. Applicants must have a clean criminal record with no felony convictions and demonstrate good moral character.
Military Service (if applicable)
Must not have a dishonorable discharge: For those with prior military service, a dishonorable discharge is disqualifying, as we seek candidates who have demonstrated integrity and commitment in previous service.
Health & Vision Standards
Vision Requirements: You must have 20/30 corrected or 20/100 uncorrected vision, with normal depth perception and satisfactory color vision. Your eyesight ensures your readiness for the demands of the field.
Commitment to a Drug-Free Lifestyle
Strict Anti-Drug Policy: We are dedicated to a drug-free workforce. Applicants must comply with a rigorous drug-use policy, which includes disqualification for recent use of specific substances.
Physical Fitness Standards
Physical fitness isn’t just a requirement—it’s the foundation of your success in the academy and beyond. As a lateral officer, you’ll need to meet and maintain the following standards:
Requirements
To succeed in the New Mexico State Police Academy, lateral recruits must demonstrate the physical capabilities necessary for law enforcement. Here’s what you’ll need to accomplish:
- 1.5 Mile Run: Complete in 15 minutes and 14 seconds. (Add an additional 40 seconds if training above 6,000 feet elevation.)
- 300-Meter Sprint: Finish in 71 seconds or less.
- Sit-Ups: Perform 27 sit-ups in one minute to test core strength and endurance.
- Push-Ups: Complete 15 push-ups in one minute, demonstrating upper body strength.
These standards reflect the physical demands of serving and protecting New Mexico’s communities. Begin preparing now to meet these challenges and elevate your law enforcement career!
The Recruit Hiring Process
Your Path to Becoming an Officer
Joining the New Mexico State Police is a challenging and rewarding journey designed to identify, train, and develop the best candidates for service. Our multi-step process ensures that each recruit is fully prepared for the demands of a career in law enforcement. Here’s what to expect as you take the first steps on your path to becoming a New Mexico State Police Officer:
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Step 1: Physical and Written Exam
Begin with a test of both your physical readiness and your academic abilities. On the same day, you’ll complete a physical fitness assessment and a written exam to measure foundational skills in math, reading, and comprehension. -
Step 2: Polygraph Exam
Integrity is at the heart of law enforcement. This 3-4 hour polygraph exam is designed to verify the background information you’ve provided, ensuring honesty and transparency from day one. -
Step 3: Background Investigation
A thorough background investigation will be conducted, covering criminal history, traffic records, and financial history, along with interviews with past employers, family, and friends. This step typically takes about two weeks to complete. -
Step 4: Oral Panel Interview
You’ll be interviewed by a panel of three experienced members of the New Mexico State Police, who will evaluate your communication skills, judgment, and motivation for joining the force. -
Step 5: Psychiatric and Medical Evaluation
To ensure you’re fully prepared for the physical and mental demands of the job, you’ll undergo assessments with both a psychologist and a medical doctor, verifying that you’re fit for duty. -
Step 6: Chief’s Selection
After successfully completing all previous steps, your application will be presented to the Chief for final review and approval. This is the last milestone on your journey to becoming a New Mexico State Police Officer.
Note for Out-of-State Applicants: Out-of-state candidates will need to make a minimum of two trips to complete the process. The first trip will cover the physical fitness test, written exam, and polygraph exam. The second trip will include the oral panel interview, psychiatric evaluation, and medical exam. This schedule allows for an expedited process while ensuring all necessary steps are completed.
Your Next Chapter Begins Here.
What to Expect
Our 8-week lateral academy is designed to refine your skills, expand your knowledge, and prepare you to lead as a New Mexico State Police officer. This intensive program builds on your existing law enforcement experience, equipping you with advanced techniques and strategies to excel in our state’s unique challenges.
Key Phases of Training
Phase 1: Advanced Physical Conditioning
Enhance your physical capabilities to meet the demanding challenges of the field. This phase includes endurance training, strength-building exercises, and agility drills, along with targeted fitness routines to ensure you maintain peak readiness.
Phase 2: Specialized Classroom Instruction
Deepen your expertise with advanced instruction on New Mexico statutes, emerging law enforcement trends, ethical decision-making, and leadership skills. This phase sharpens your judgment and enhances your ability to navigate complex scenarios with professionalism and confidence.
Phase 3: Fieldwork and Tactical Proficiency
Refine your tactical skills with immersive, hands-on training. This phase includes advanced arrest tactics, defensive driving for pursuit scenarios, and de-escalation techniques. You’ll also participate in simulated tactical exercises tailored to real-life challenges, ensuring you’re prepared for the demands of active duty in New Mexico’s diverse communities.
taking care of those who serve
Benefits and pay
Start your career with a strong salary, with opportunities for growth as you advance within the New Mexico State Police.
Enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with $75,000 in life insurance to protect you and your loved ones.
Plan for a secure future with a robust retirement package, providing peace of mind as you serve.
Benefit from annual leave, sick leave, two personal days each year, and enhanced holiday pay at 2.5 times your regular rate.
Receive up to 1,440 hours of paid leave if injured in the line of duty, ensuring you’re supported throughout recovery.
Access 120 hours of military leave, with an additional 120 hours available upon approval, honoring your commitment to both your country and your community.
