Posting Details
The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy (NMLEA) is the cornerstone of public safety training in the state. As the central hub for certifying and developing law enforcement officers and telecommunicators, NMLEA sets the standard for excellence, accountability, and service. Through a statewide network of nine satellite academies and a robust curriculum, staff prepare the next generation of public safety professionals to serve with Integrity, skill, and resilience.
The work at the Academy is grounded In the New Mexico Law Enforcement Training Act, but the mission goes far beyond compliance. The NMLEA is building a culture of continuous learning, ethical leadership, and operational readiness-powered by the Acadis software suite, which enables staff to track, audit, and elevate training outcomes across every jurisdiction in New Mexico.
Why does the job exist?
This position exists to support the mission of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy including statutorily defined testing and certification. Provides training and oversight of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Cadets, Law Enforcement Officers, and public Safety Telecommunicators at the Department of Public Safety. This position is under the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy and may include tasks on both the Basic Training Bureau and Advanced Instruction Bureau.
How does it get done?
Provides training and oversight of New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Cadets, Law Enforcement Officers, and Public Safety Telecommunicators exclusively at the Department
of Public Safety.
- Monitors, regulates, and evaluates trainee performance.
- Counsels trainees on personal, professional, and academic issues.
- Research/review/revise training lesson plans, handouts, manuals, audiovisual aids, simulations, and other instructional tools and materials to ensure quality and consistency
with Academy-goals, legal standards, and law enforcement best practices.
- Prepares, utilizes, and maintains training equipment.
- Ensures safety practices and protocols are followed.
- Serves as technical or subject matter experts in one or more law enforcement and/or public safety telecommunicator discipline.
Instruction and Curriculum Delivery
- Provide classroom, scenario-based, and physical training instruction to New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy cadets, certified law enforcement officers, and public safety telecommunicators in accordance with Academy curriculum, standards, and state law (NMAC 10.29.1-10.29.10).
- Deliver instruction in assigned subject matter areas using approved lesson plans, training aids, and instructional methods.
- Evaluate trainee learning outcomes through written, practical, and performance-based assessments.
Trainee Oversight and Mentorship
- Monitor, regulate, and evaluate trainee performance, conduct, and adherence to Academy policies and professional standards.
- Provide counseling and coaching to trainees on personal, professional, academic, and ethical matters to promote discipline, resilience, and leadership.
- Maintain accurate trainee records, progress reports, and disciplinary documentation in accordance with Academy protocols.
Curriculum and Program Development
- Research, review, and revise lesson plans, training manuals, handouts, audiovisual materials, and scenario-based exercises to ensure instructional consistency, legal compliance, and alignment with contemporary law enforcement best practices.
- Collaborate with Academy leadership, compliance team and subject-matter experts to integrate new legislative mandates, use-of-force standards, and procedural updates into the curriculum.
- Assist with development and validation of learning objectives, testing instruments, and instructional materials. Operational Support and Safety
- Prepare, maintain, and ensure proper use of all instructional materials, training equipment, and simulation resources.
- Enforce all safety practices, range protocols, and liability mitigation measures during all training activities.
- Participate in Academy events, graduation ceremonies, and other official functions as directed. Professional Development and Representation
- Maintain current instructor certifications and qualifications as required under NMAC 10.29.4 and Academy policy.
- Serve as a professional role model, demonstrating integrity, discipline, and adherence to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
- Represent the Academy and the Department of Public Safety in a positive, professional manner during all interactions with agencies, cadets, and the public.
Who are the customers?
Work is performed for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety employees, local law enforcement agencies, dispatch centers, satellite law enforcement academies, and executive and legislative agencies throughout the state.
Ideal Candidate
Work is performed for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety employees, local law enforcement agencies, dispatch centers, satellite law enforcement academies, and executive and legislative agencies throughout the state.
Minimum Qualification
Associate degree in any field as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of this classification and six (6) years experience, (2) years of which must be law enforcement teaching experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Must hold a current New Mexico Police Officer certification as set forth in §297-6 NMSA 1978 or be eligible for Certification by Waiver upon hire and/or must complete Certification by Waiver within six (6) months of hire, and currently hold the minimum of a New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy general instructor certificate or Equivalent as set forth in §10.29.4.8 NMAC.
Employment Requirements
Employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprinting in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations; and is conditional pending results. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy.
In addition, the selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico.
Working Conditions
Local, in-state and out-of-state travel may be required. Overtime may be required to meet deadlines, peak performance periods, time-sensitive information requests, and other projects.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Jason Foster (505) 316-8599 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
