GRANTS, N.M - Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte admitted that entering law enforcement was not a childhood dream. Instead, it was an opportunity that presented itself through friends who were enrolling in the reserve program offered by the Grants Police Department in 1992.
The Path to Law Enforcement
The training was rigorous— a nine-month commitment that required attendance in classes twice a week and practical ride-alongs each month. After successfully completing the program, she graduated in early 1993 and stepped into her role as a dispatcher/ jailer.
Within months, she transitioned to a role as a non-certified police officer and attended the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Police Academy, graduating in November of 1993.
The Pillars of Support
Throughout her journey, Monte reflected on the profound impact that mentors and colleagues have had on her development.
“I’m going to say everybody that I was part of the team with Grants Police Department has been a mentor to me.” She admitted.
Figures like Lloyd Aragon, a K-9 officer; Richard Rodriguez, a lieutenant of patrol; Marty Vigil; a detective; and others played crucial roles. Monte credits these individuals, among many others, for providing guidance and instilling the importance of accountability and community service in her approach to leadership.
Evolving Leadership Style
Promoted to sergeant in 2002, Monte began refining her leadership style, influenced by the teachings of her mentors. She emphasized the balance between protecting and serving the community and ensuring the well-being and professional development of the officers under her command.
With the changing dynamics of law enforcement, her leadership has evolved to focus not only on traditional policing but also on fostering a supportive environment for officers to thrive.
A Post-COVID World
In 2022, Monte became the first female police chief in Grants, New Mexico. “So, I’m coming up on my three year anniversary.” She said.
Upon assuming the role of Police Chief in October 2022, she faced unprecedented challenges. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the movement to 'defund the police' put significant strain on law enforcement.
Manpower shortages became a critical issue, as the department struggled to find dedicated individuals willing to pursue careers in policing. To combat these challenges, Monte initiated community engagement efforts aiming to build trust with residents, which had been strained during the pandemic. She recalled her experience as the city’s first community policing officer, recognizing the importance of connecting with the public.
Time Consuming Challenge
As Chief Monte has often stated “Ninety percent of time, we’re dealing with ten percent of our population and it’s the repeat offenders that take up a lot of our time.”
The biggest hurdle the department faces is what is commonly known as catch and release. “It’s hard for us to continue to take one individual and place them in jail and they’re out the next day. Sometimes they’re not even spending 24-hours in jail, so with the catch and release program that hurts us a lot.”
Arresting just one individual can have the officer or officers occupied from two to five hours, making it harder for the department to keep a look out, when they’re repeatedly having to arrest repeat offenders.
“That is voted on by the citizens of the state of New Mexico and that’s something that we have to let the citizens know that you need to remember this or ask that it be brought up again.”
Goals for the Future
Monte envisions a future where her department becomes even more equipped to serve the community.
She aims to increase staffing, expand the narcotics division, and implement a school resource officer program. These initiatives are propelled by the belief that building relationships with youth is integral to fostering trust and cooperation within the community.
A Heart for Service
Chief Monte explained “Being in law enforcement is a very, very stressful… job, but it’s also very rewarding. You have to have a heart and you have to know that everybody is human, but you have to be strong enough to handle the stress. So, to be successful, I think I would tell somebody that if you want to be in law enforcement, it’s very important that you have a strong system because you’re going to need it. The best day is going out there and helping somebody that needs our assistance…” Monte went on to explain that officers could deal with anything from lowlevel calls to horrific crime scenes “You’ve got to have the heart to want to help on a daily basis seeing people on their best day, but also their worst day.”