Earlier this month, Hobbs Police Chief August Fons presented a summary of his 2022–2023 Hobbs Police Department (HPD) Annual Report to commissioners and the public at the February regular meeting of the Hobbs City Commission. Chief Fons reported that since 2021 statistically crime has risen in Hobbs (population 42,425) 9%. Chief Fons also remarked that service calls are up 6%.

Explaining the status of crime in Hobbs, Chief Fons said, “All across the country, unfortunately, violent crime and property crime are up. Hobbs is not an exception. The reasons are complex and varied, but nevertheless you have my word and the department’s word that we will fully engage [to fight crime] with ongoing diligent response and commitment.”

HPD works in tandem with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office and other area police forces to prevent and investigate crime. Together the departments use various strategies, including community-oriented policing, to build relationships with local residents and increase effectiveness.

Getting down to specifics, Chief Fons reported that assault/battery is up by 13% and larceny is up 70%. Forgery has increased by 33%, fraud by 27% and vandalism by 38%. Up 195% – and a big concern – are “weapons violations and shootings a/f [at/from] motor vehicles or dwellings”.

The good news is that murder is down 33%, robbery 18%, auto theft 10%, shoplifting 9% and burglary 4%. A 25% decrease has also been found in “receiving stolen property”.

Statistics Can Be Misleading

Chief Fons cautioned stakeholders to remember that statistics can cloud reality; one or two occurrences of the same crime can cause a 100% increase or decrease to the crime’s previous statistic.

Some crimes, like murder and assault/battery, are emotionally based and difficult to stop, commented Chief Fons. Other crimes, like larceny, robbery and shoplifting, are motivated by opportunity and easier to prevent, especially with proactive help from the community.

Recruitment, Retention, Staffing

Chief Fons also talked about the importance of recruitment, retention and staffing. He noted that his department last year received a $4.8 million state allocation to fund these areas and that the allocation is having a “positive impact”, providing necessary dollars for new officer salaries, recruitment strategies, like website improvement and commercials, plus a short-term, state-allocated stipend for officer retention.

Safety in Hobbs Schools

During the question and answer period, Chief Fons reassured the public about his commitment to school safety. He pointed out that Hobbs probably has more officers in its public schools than any other city in the State of New Mexico. HPD partners with New Mexico State Police officers to ensure the strong police presence. According to Hobbs Municipal Schools Superintendent Gene Strickland, gun threats are very troubling not only to school administrators and staff but also to students, parents and all stakeholders. Strong police presence is proving a strong deterrence to such threats.

Lovington Crime

The Lea County Tribune has not received specific crime statistics from the Lovington Police Department (LPD) for the 2022- 2023 time period. According to City-Data.com, Lovington’s crime rate “… is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 23 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate.” Crime in Lovington rose by 20% in 2019 compared to 2018. During the last five years violent crime has decreased and property crime has risen.

Eunice Police Chief Resigns

Last week, Casey Arcidez resigned as police chief of the Eunice Police Department (EPD). Arcidez started his law enforcement career as a patrolman with the HPD in 2004 and joined the EPD in 2011. Arcidez was appointed EPD police chief on November 14, 2018. Well known for his community service, especially on behalf of the Eunice Rotary Club and to Eunice’s United Way campaign, Arcidez plans to leave the law enforcement profession altogether. The career change will take him to the oil and gas industry.

According to Eunice City Manager Shannon Cummins, Lieutenant John Fray, who has been with the Eunice police force for several years, has been appointed interim chief of police. 

A search for a permanent police chief is forthcoming. Cummins is on record as referring to Fray as a “go-getter”.