The Las Cruces Police Department announced on Apr. 7 that it is accepting applications from retired law enforcement officers under the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) of New Mexico. Applications are due by May 4, 2026, and are available online at CLCPD.com.
This recruitment effort offers incentives to encourage experienced officers to return to service. Retired officers selected for the program may receive up to $35,000 in recruitment, retention, and relocation incentives as well as 40 hours of annual leave upon hire. Salaries for these positions range from $30.28 to $43.68 per hour based on experience.
The laws governing PERA allow public employees who retired before Dec. 31, 2023, and have been retired for less than eight years, to return to work in many public safety roles such as police officer positions. These retirees can continue receiving their pension benefits and cost-of-living adjustments while also earning a new salary for up to three years after returning.
Las Cruces delivers local governance, services, infrastructure, regulation and community programs according to the official website. The city provides community engagement through programs for youth, seniors and recreation according to the official website. It manages infrastructure through departments handling utilities and public works according to the official website.
Las Cruces operates under a council-manager structure with City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau appointed by the city council according to the official website. The municipality serves residents and businesses within its boundaries in New Mexico according to the official website.
As Las Cruces continues its efforts in recruiting experienced law enforcement professionals back into service, officials say this initiative aims both at strengthening public safety staffing levels and utilizing valuable expertise already present within the community.