Crime and Border Security
Keeping Our Streets Safe and Our Borders Secure
As Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico, Diane Denish has been unyielding in the effort to reduce crime and create stronger penalties for criminals. She has fought for stronger penalties for habitual offenders, including the requirement of interlock technology in cars for DWI offenders and jail and treatment for those charged with domestic violence. Diane was responsible for speeding up the passage of legislation requiring all felony offenders to submit a DNA sample when charged. This measure, called Katie’s Law, was touted by Diane as an “exceptional tool” to control repeat offenders in the criminal system. Diane was also responsible for strengthening the methamphetamine laws in the country making it a felony to bring children into laboratories and has given the state the control to regulate the ingredients in “street drugs.” In 2009, Diane participated in a task force with US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to strengthen laws and increase federal funding for border security.
Leading the Charge to Find Missing Persons: In the Spring of 2009, Lieutenant Governor Denish initiated an effort to create a coordinated system to report and track missing persons. As a result of her work, all law enforcement officers are receiving training about missing persons and media outlets have taken a cooperative role in searching for missing persons. Diane Denish is now leading New Mexico’s effort to pass a comprehensive missing persons law.
Using Science and Technology to Fight Crime: In order to fight crime as efficiently as possible, Diane believes we must use the scientific tools at our disposal. That’s why she has been a leading advocate for requiring DNA samples from all felony arrests, which will enable investigators to check those samples against a national database collected from violent crime scenes.
Strengthening Laws to Combat Methamphetamines: Firmly believing that we must take a strong stand against methamphetamines, Lieutenant Governor Denish signed a law that gives the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy the authority to control the distribution of ingredients commonly used to make meth.
Taking a Tough Stand Against Drunk Driving: Lieutenant Governor Denish believes that driving is a privilege, not a right, and that when someone gets caught drinking and driving, the consequences must be severe. That’s why Diane strongly supported legislation to require ignition interlock technology be installed on the car of every new DWI offender. At the time, Diane said: “No one has the right to drive drunk on our streets and put innocent lives in danger. By placing interlocks on their cars, DWI offenders cannot repeat their crime.”
Keeping our Borders Safe and Secure: Lieutenant Governor Denish knows that our border with Mexico is a crucial transit point for billions of dollars of economic activity, but unfortunately, it is also a transit point for narcotics and weapons. That’s why Diane has worked with federal border agents, the New Mexico National Guard and local law enforcement officials to develop legislative proposals to improve security along our border. Diane joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Director to announce millions of dollars for crime enforcement, technology upgrades and enhanced communication along our borders.
