Los Alamos County Police Department

09/04/2026

There is a fire on the mountain to the west/northwest of Los Alamos. The Los Alamos Fire Department and Forest Service personnel have responded. Please avoid the area to allow these personnel to perform fire mitigation measures.

08/26/2026

Please join us in congratulating Detention Sergeant Erika Bustos on her retirement from the Los Alamos Police Department!

Throughout her career, Sgt. Bustos brought tremendous leadership, experience, professionalism, and dedication to the department and the community she served. Her knowledge and steady leadership have been invaluable to the Detention Center and to the many employees who had the opportunity to work alongside her.

While we are excited for Erika as she begins this next chapter, her leadership, experience, and presence will certainly be missed by the Los Alamos Police Department.

Congratulations on your retirement, Sgt. Bustos! Thank you for your years of dedicated service to the Los Alamos community. We wish you and your family all the best in retirement—you’ve certainly earned it! 🇺🇸

08/19/2026

Los Alamos Police Department Now Accepting Applications for Citizens Academy

Los Alamos, NM – The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) is now accepting applications for its upcoming Citizens Academy, an interactive program designed to provide community members with an inside look at modern law enforcement operations.

The Citizens Academy offers residents a comprehensive overview of departmental functions, including patrol operations, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and specialized units. Participants will engage in hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises that illustrate the training, equipment, and decision-making processes officers use to keep Los Alamos County safe.

The academy is open to community members who meet the eligibility requirements, including passing a background check. Class size is limited to ensure engaging and interactive experience.

Program details:

Location: Los Alamos Police Department. 2500 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos, NM

Date/Duration: Friday October 16, 2026, from 8:15am to 5pm

Application Deadline: Friday September 18, 2026, by 5pm

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited. Applications can be obtained by emailing [email protected].

The Los Alamos Police Department remains committed to community engagement, transparency, and collaborative public safety efforts. The Citizen’s Academy is an opportunity for residents to learn, ask questions, and build lasting partnerships with their local law enforcement professionals.

For more information or to request an application, please contact Commander Chris Ross at 505-663-1874.

08/05/2026

Los Alamos Police Department Makes Three Arrests Through Teamwork, Technology, and Specialized Resources

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. – August 5, 2026 – The Los Alamos Police Department made three arrests over the past week through the coordinated efforts of patrol officers, the department's K-9 Unit, and the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology.
On July 28, 2026, officers received an alert from the department's ALPR system identifying a vehicle associated with an individual who had an active arrest warrant. Officers quickly coordinated their response and located the vehicle in the Smith's Food and Drug parking lot.

During the investigation, officers requested assistance from the department's K-9 Unit. The police K-9 conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. As the investigation progressed, officers also identified another individual associated with the incident who had an active outstanding arrest warrant. That individual was taken into custody.

Based on the evidence developed during the investigation, officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, which was executed on the evening of July 29, 2026. During the search, officers recovered methamphetamine and methadone, resulting in additional criminal charges.

On August 5, 2026, officers again received an alert from the ALPR system indicating that the driver of the vehicle had an active arrest warrant. Officers confirmed the warrant, conducted a lawful traffic stop, identified the driver as the wanted individual, and safely took the individual into custody without incident.

"The successful apprehension of wanted individuals and the recovery of illegal narcotics demonstrate the value of combining well-trained officers, specialized resources, and modern technology," said Police Chief Sgambellone. "The ALPR system is one of many tools available to our officers that helps improve public safety while operating within the law and under established department policies."

The three arrests highlight the Los Alamos Police Department's continued investment in technology, officer training, and specialized resources that enhance public safety. When used responsibly and in accordance with department policy and state law, ALPR technology helps officers identify wanted individuals, recover stolen vehicles, and support criminal investigations while respecting the privacy of law-abiding motorists.
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08/04/2026

Congratulations to Sergeant Robert Stephens and his family on his promotion from Corporal to Sergeant.

Sgt. Stephens has proudly served the Los Alamos Police Department for more than 16 years, holding a variety of assignments throughout his career. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving our community have prepared him well for this new leadership role.

Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Stephens on this well-earned promotion. We look forward to his continued leadership and the positive impact he will have on our department and the community we serve.

07/31/2026

Los Alamos Police Department Reminds Drivers to Prepare for Increased Back-to-School Traffic

LOS ALAMOS, NM (7/31/2026) – The Los Alamos Police Department is reminding motorists to prepare for increased traffic and heightened pedestrian activity as students return to school on Monday, August 10, 2026.

School start times are as follows:

Elementary Schools: 8:10 a.m. (before-school activities begin at 7:30 a.m.)

Los Alamos Middle School: 8:40 a.m. (before-school activities begin at 8:00 a.m.)

Los Alamos High School: 8:30 a.m. (before-school activities begin at 8:00 a.m.)

With the start of the school year comes heavier traffic around schools and on main roadways during the morning and afternoon commute. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, reduce their speed in school zones, and remain alert for children walking, riding bicycles, and crossing streets.

Motorists should also pay close attention to school crossing guards, stop signs, traffic signals, marked crosswalks, and school buses loading and unloading students.

"The start of the school year means more children, parents, and school buses will be sharing our roadways," said SRO Sergeant Joseph Dezendorf. "Please plan ahead and leave a little earlier for your commute. Taking a few extra minutes can make all the difference in preventing a crash and keeping our community safe."

Throughout the school year, Los Alamos Police Department School Resource Officers (SROs) and the Traffic Unit will conduct increased patrols in and around school zones. Officers will focus on educating motorists and proactively enforcing traffic laws to improve safety for students, parents, school staff, and the community.

The Los Alamos Police Department appreciates the community's partnership in making the start of the school year a safe one for everyone. Please plan ahead, expect increased traffic beginning Monday morning, and help us keep our school zones safe.

For additional information contact the Los Alamos Police Department Emergency Communication Center at 505-662-8222.

07/23/2026

****Update Located****

Los Alamos Police Department Seeks Public's Assistance in Locating Missing Man

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (July 23, 2026): The Los Alamos Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 49-year-old David Mills, who was reported missing on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Mills was last seen on Wednesday, July 22, at approximately 4:00 p.m., when he left his residence in the 1000 block of Oro Court. He was riding a bright green and black bicycle and was wearing a white helmet with black accents, a dark-colored T-shirt, and plaid shorts.

Mills is described as approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes.

According to his family, Mills frequently rides his bicycle on local trail systems. Investigators are asking residents who use area trails, as well as anyone who may have seen Mills or his bicycle, to contact law enforcement.

Anyone with information about Mills' whereabouts is asked to contact the Los Alamos Police Department Emergency Communication Center at 505-662-8222.

07/22/2026

🐾 NOW HIRING: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 🐾

Are you looking for a career where you can make a meaningful impact in your community while helping protect the health, safety, and welfare of both people and animals?

The Animal Control Officer position offers a unique opportunity to serve the public through education, enforcement, emergency response, and compassionate animal care. This is a dynamic career where no two days are alike, requiring professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service.


As an Animal Control Officer, you will:
• Respond to calls involving domestic animals and wildlife.
• Investigate animal-related complaints and enforce local ordinances.
• Reunite lost pets with their families whenever possible.
• Promote responsible pet ownership through community education.
• Work collaboratively with law enforcement, first responders, and other agencies to ensure the safety of our community.

This position is ideal for someone who is compassionate, dependable, enjoys working outdoors, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a difference.

📍 We're looking for individuals who are ready to serve with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.

If you're ready to build a rewarding career protecting both animals and the community, we encourage you to apply today.

🐶 Every call is different. Every day matters. Every animal deserves an advocate.

07/22/2026

https://www.nature.com/articles/s44458-026-00100-3

Research shows that speeding increases fuel consumption while saving drivers less than a minute on average.

The Los Alamos Police Department reminds motorists to slow down, obey posted speed limits, and help keep our roads safe for everyone. A few extra seconds behind the wheel can make a significant difference in preventing crashes and protecting lives.

Obeying speed limits can save over six million gallons of fuel and fifty thousand metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per day with minimal delay, based on analysis of more than one hundred twenty million vehicle trajectories assessing speed limit interventions across the United States.

06/19/2026

Be advised, there is a traffic accident at the intersection of Rover and NM4 Hwy 4 blocking both directions of travel coming from NM4 Hwy 4. NM Hwy 4 will be closed for eastbound traffic leaving White Rock and westbound incoming from the West Jemez Road and NM Hwy 4 for several hours. Seek alternate route.