How to File a Complaint or Commendation About Doña Ana Sheriff's Office or Detention Staff
Need to report a problem—or recognize someone who went above and beyond? You can submit feedback to the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office several ways. Pick the channel that fits your situation and include enough detail for staff to understand what happened.
The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office accepts commendations and complaints by phone, letter, email, or in person. Worried about sharing your name? You can still speak up - the Sheriff's Office accepts anonymous complaints.
Anonymous is allowed: Submit by phone, letter, email, or in person. Anonymous complaints are accepted.
Urgent concern? You don't have to wait for office hours. File a complaint 24 hours a day with the on-duty supervisor - useful when something just happened or you need to report an issue immediately.
During regular business hours, you can also submit through the Office of Professional Standards / Internal Affairs Unit. This route works well when you're ready to put everything in writing and want your complaint directed to the unit that handles formal reviews.
Quick choice: Use the on-duty supervisor any time (24/7). During regular business hours, you can file with the Office of Professional Standards / Internal Affairs Unit.
The Sheriff's Office has an established system for handling commendations, complaints, and discipline. Your feedback - positive or negative - gets evaluated as part of how the agency tracks service quality, addresses misconduct, and protects employees who do their jobs properly.
What to expect: Submitting a complaint or commendation starts a review process inside the Sheriff’s Office system for complaints, commendations, and discipline.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Date and approximate time of the incident (or the positive interaction)
- ✓ Where it happened (facility area, unit, lobby, phone call, transport, etc.)
- ✓ Names and titles of staff involved (or a clear description if you don’t know names)
- ✓ Your loved one’s full name and any identifying details you have (if relevant)
- ✓ A clear, factual description of what you saw, heard, or experienced
- ✓ Names and contact info for any witnesses (if they’re willing)
- ✓ What outcome you’re asking for (for example: follow-up, review, or recognition)
- ✓ Your contact information if you want a response (leave it out if you’re filing anonymously)
Tip: Keep copies of anything you submit and any supporting materials you have. Stick to specific facts and keep it concise - clear timelines and details are easier to review.
Looking for copies of public records related to your situation? New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) gives everyone the right to inspect Doña Ana County public records. This is separate from filing a complaint, but it's helpful if you're gathering documentation or want to request records that may exist.
Doña Ana County has an online IPRA portal (RecordBook) where you can submit requests and receive responses through the same system. Check the county's IPRA page to get started.
- Decide what records you’re asking for - be specific about dates, names, and the type of record so the request is easier to process.
- Use Doña Ana County’s online IPRA portal (RecordBook) - start your request through the county’s IPRA page.
- Submit and track your request - keep a copy of what you sent so you can match it to any response you receive.
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