The Las Cruces Police Department has achieved significant outcomes from Operation Not in Vain, a three-month intense crime reduction campaign, following the terrible loss of a cherished officer. More than 1,200 traffic citations and 330 arrests have resulted from the operation, which was carried out in remembrance of Officer Jonah Hernandez, who was slain on February 11 while performing his duties. The City of Las Cruces says that this cooperative effort is a big step in strengthening community safety.
According to the City of Las Cruces, “The success of this operation underscores the importance of collaboration among state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Jeremy Story, chief of the Las Cruces Police Department. He agreed that in order to improve neighborhood safety, our combined efforts are crucial. The Chief also underlined that much more has to be done to guarantee justice and safety for every Las Cruces resident.
According to specific statistics made public, the operation, which ran from August 5 to November 8, resulted in 29 warrants being completed, 89 criminal citations, 124 felony arrests, and 114 misdemeanor arrests. Officers also found 12 weapons, 24 drug hauls, and 25 stolen cars during the sweep. Over 3,200 fentanyl tablets, almost 54 pounds of methamphetamine, and a startling quantity of illegal narcotics were seized. Along with aggressive community participation, the extended effort comprised 539 meetings with local businesses and 607 consensual interactions.
The operation, according to New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler, is evidence of the cooperation of federal, state, and local law enforcement. According to Weisler, “By working together, we’ve successfully taken dangerous criminals, illegal firearms, and narcotics off the streets of our communities, making New Mexico safer for all,” as reported by the City of Las Cruces. Additionally, he pledged to remain unified in the fight against crime. He stated that this pledge is meant to guarantee that Officer Jonah Hernandez’s sacrifice was not in vain.
Operation Not in Vain targeted repeat offenders, people with outstanding warrants, violent and property crimes, and traffic infractions. The operation included a community outreach component in addition to its enforcement-focused component, where officers interacted with businesses and citizens of Las Cruces to strengthen their shared commitment to public safety. The commitment and results of this important police operation honor Officer Hernandez, a two-year veteran of the Las Cruces Police Department who was born in El Paso, Texas.
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