Long‑time resident and former sheriff Todd Garrison is running for the office of Dona Ana County Sheriff. At 62, Garrison brings more than three decades of law‑enforcement experience, including time with the Las Cruces Police Department, the New Mexico State Police Motor Transportation Division, and a decade leading the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office from 2005 to 2014.
Law‑enforcement background
Garrison’s résumé includes patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, training and administrative duties. He emphasizes that his hands‑on experience across every facet of policing equips him to manage the modern challenges facing the county’s sheriff department.
Addressing juvenile crime
Recognizing that juvenile crime remains a concern, Garrison says he will work closely with juvenile courts, probation officers and other resources. He plans to partner with state legislators to craft supportive policies and to restore School Resource Officers to local schools. He also wants to revive proven prevention programs such as DARE and GREAT, believing that strong relationships between youth and law‑enforcement are essential for accountability and safety.
Transparency and community engagement
Transparency is a central theme of Garrison’s campaign. He proposes reestablishing the Citizen’s Academy and holding regular public meetings across the county’s diverse communities. To keep residents informed, Garrison will employ a social‑media manager to provide timely updates, while respecting the need to protect ongoing investigations.
Priorities for the sheriff’s office
Garrison’s priorities include professionalizing the department, fostering cooperation with other law‑enforcement agencies statewide, and rebuilding trust with the public. He pledges to be open about the office’s goals, both internal and external, and to involve community members in decision‑making processes.
Family roots and personal commitment
A sixth‑generation New Mexican, Garrison has lived his entire life in Dona Ana County. He and his wife Kim have been married for 43 years and together raise six children and twenty grandchildren while co‑owning Garrison Family Farms. He says his deep ties to the area give him a personal stake in its safety and prosperity.
Why he believes he is the best choice
Garrison argues that his combination of extensive field experience, leadership tenure, and lifelong community involvement makes him uniquely qualified. He stresses a balance of modern technology and “good old‑fashioned” policing, promising to keep the sheriff’s office both innovative and grounded in proven practices.
Voters in Dona Ana County will see Garrison’s full platform and contact information on the county’s official election website. The race is part of the 2026 primary elections, with the general election slated for November 2026.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
