Las Cruces Police Oversight Review Finds Strengths, Recommends Changes

An independent police auditor found generally strong investigative practices at the Las Cruces Police Department while recommending targeted improvements in how complaints, use-of-force reviews and evidence are handled.

The OIR Group presented its 10th semiannual report to the Las Cruces City Council on July 27. The review covered 21 LCPD investigations from January through June 2026, including Internal Affairs investigations and investigations involving external complaints.

Review found strengths and specific gaps

The OIR Group credited LCPD with strong self-evaluation and correction practices and praised the department’s transparency. The review was not a finding that every investigation examined was improper or deficient.

Instead, the auditor identified several areas where the department could make its work more consistent and easier for residents to understand. Recommendations included more consistent use of the Force Review Cadre, more detailed reasoning when cases are closed or otherwise dispositioned, and better customer service for people involved in the complaint process.

The Force Review Cadre recommendation followed the review of two police-involved shootings. OIR agreed with the department’s conclusions in those cases but said the cadre should have been involved. Police Chief Jeremy Story told KRWG that he considered the recommendation fair but difficult to apply because the cadre is an ancillary-duty group and the shootings already receive multiple levels of review.

Evidence and background checks also drew attention

The review also examined evidence-handling practices. In one case involving a non-sworn employee removing evidence from storage, LCPD changed its procedures and began keeping currency held as evidence in a bank, according to KRWG’s report.

Another case involved drugs, including fentanyl, and a wallet that belonged in evidence being kept in an officer’s patrol car. LCPD identified an inadequate background check in that case and said it was working with the contractor involved. The OIR findings called for closer attention to background-check practices.

The review also examined a phone call between a resident and an LCPD employee. LCPD found the employee was not in violation, while OIR said some remarks could be viewed as escalating, retaliatory or threatening.

What the process means for residents

Las Cruces hired the OIR Group on May 1, 2021, to review complaints submitted to Internal Affairs. The city says the police auditor briefs the City Council and city management on its findings twice a year during public meetings.

The city’s transparency materials say formal and internal investigations are forwarded to the police auditor. The process also sends any use-of-force incident that generates an internal investigation to OIR for review.

For residents, the recommendations could affect how future complaints are documented, how case conclusions are explained to complainants, and how evidence and use-of-force reviews are managed. They remain recommendations, not confirmed policy changes or orders from the City Council.

The July 27 work session and community meeting gave residents a chance to hear about the oversight process and raise concerns. The next questions are whether LCPD adopts any of OIR’s recommendations, whether the City Council assigns follow-up work, and how any changes appear in future semiannual reports.

Sources

• KRWG report on the July 27 presentation
• City of Las Cruces police-auditor notice
• OIR Group semiannual report