GRANTS, NM – Since her appointment nearly two years ago, Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte has overseen significant changes and improvements in the Grants Police Department that are making the community safer.
Monte began by acknowledging the challenges she faced upon her arrival. Before Monte took the reins, GPD had been undergoing significant internal turmoil. Instability throughout the city negatively impacted the work being done by the department at the time.
“Coming in almost two years ago, there was a lot of work that needed to be done. We struggled in making sure that we made those areas stronger,” she said.
Restructuring
Monte’s primary focus was strengthening the patrol division, which was understaffed and lacked experienced officers. “When I looked to bring on new hires and fill those sergeants' positions, I was grateful that I could bring on two individuals that … had closer to 10 years or more of experience.”
By hiring two sergeants with over ten years of experience each, she brought stability and leadership to the team.
Monte also addressed the importance of thorough investigations and accountability within the department. Every Monday morning, she and her command staff review calls for service, arrests, and reports to identify areas for improvement. 'We want to make sure that we did everything we can to help the victims in these cases,' she emphasized. This robust accountability system ensures that both minor and major cases receive the attention they deserve.
Robust is the word, with so much groundwork to be done the department needs a strong staff. Monte said Grants Police Department currently has 18 positions filled, with only one detective position vacant.
Chief Monte has hired four non-certified officers who are undergoing training to become certified within a year. This proactive approach aims to address the statewide shortage of law enforcement officers by nurturing a new generation of hometown officers committed to public safety.
'Growing a hometown law enforcement officer means you're already committed to this community.” Monte said. “Your heart is here; you've developed relationships within our community, and those are the types of officers we want to hire,” Monte said. This philosophy underscores her belief that officers with local ties bring a unique dedication and understanding to their roles.
Cars and Tech
In terms of resources, GPD has significantly upgraded its fleet, deploying five new Dodge vehicles to complement the existing four Chargers. “If it wasn't for our representatives funding that request, there's no way we could have done this,” Monte remarked, highlighting the crucial support from local officials.
Prior to the new vehicles, some GPD officers were driving around Ford Crown Victorias. Before the new vehicles entered the fleet, many of GPD’s vehicles were approaching or had exceeded 200,000 miles.
The department has also embraced technology, utilizing cameras for license plate recognition in high-crime areas. Chief Monte mentioned plans to install additional cameras in Elm Park and at the Riverwalk gazebo, two areas with high rates of suspicious activities and public disturbances.
Ensuring the rights of all citizens in the community, Monte said, “We are placing additional cameras in public areas like Elm Park and the Riverwalk to address highcrime areas without infringing on privacy. These cameras help us monitor public spaces and respond more effectively to incidents.” She continued, “As long as you're in the public, then we're not violating your rights. [GPD can see] what anybody else can see if they were in the same area.”
For the Community
Despite these advancements, Chief Monte remains focused on community relations, especially with local schools.
GPD collaborates with the Grants-Cibola County Schools to run the JOLT program, aiming to inspire students to pursue careers in law enforcement. Presentations on bullying, the dangers of drinking and driving, and career paths in law enforcement are part of their outreach efforts. 'Children are our future,' Chief Monte said, underscoring the importance of engaging with the younger generation.
Chief Monte also discussed the challenges of addressing homelessness and unauthorized occupancy of vacant properties. She urged homeowners to secure their properties and work with law enforcement to prevent squatting. 'We want to stay ahead of the game and keep those areas clear,' she advised.
On a personal note, Chief Monte expressed her passion for her role and dedication to the community. “I love every part of and am proud to still be part of this community,” she said, reflecting on her 30-year career in law enforcement.