There is an argument that the Sheriff should be appointed rather than elected. Some argue that sheriffs should be selected based on their knowledge, skills, and abilities to handle jobs like Chiefs of municipal law enforcement agencies. Others say that an elected Sheriff provides an essential check on other elected county officials and that their position reflects the "will of the people." Unfortunately, the only qualifications for being a Sheriff in New Mexico are that you are a legal resident of the county you are elected to, a U.S. citizen, and eligible to vote. Fortunately for Eddy County, Matthew Hutchinson, unlike his opponent, has all the qualities and qualifications required of a police chief and a sheriff, appointed or elected. 

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Over the last eight years, Eddy County has not fallen prey to the personality contests that many Sheriff's races become. We have had the good fortune of having a Sheriff with the education, qualifications, experience, and acumen required of a law enforcement executive to oversee a modern agency such as the Eddy County Sheriff's Office (ECSO). Likewise, we have been blessed with Sheriff Cage's prudent choice of Matthew Hutchinson as his Undersheriff.

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Eddy County voters can continue this high level of competence this June by electing Matthew Hutchinson as Sheriff. The only other option would be for the county to return to the good ole boy era when Sheriffs were uneducated, steeped in outdated policing techniques, and with unqualified and inexperienced Undersheriffs running the agency. This could lead to a decline in the quality of law enforcement services, a lack of effective leadership, and a potential increase in crime rates. It's crucial that we make an informed decision and choose a candidate who is qualified and experienced, like Matthew Hutchinson.

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A steep learning curve may be acceptable for a new Deputy but not for a Sheriff or Undersheriff. The Sheriff's Office is not a school for Command Staff to learn crucial leadership lessons that can have life-and-death consequences. Nor is it a place to learn the ropes of managing a nearly 18-million-dollar budget and a staff bordering on 100 soles.  Electing an inexperienced Sheriff could put our community at risk, a risk we cannot afford to take.

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Matthew Hutchinson has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, unlike his opponent. He graduated from the internationally renowned Northwestern School of Police Staff & Command, an intensive leadership and management education program. This high level of education is combined with 17 years of experience in law enforcement, the last two of which have been as Undersheriff of ECSO. During his tenure, he has successfully implemented a Traffic Unit that has significantly reduced fatalities on our roadways, a multi-officer K9 Unit with highly trained drug detection and search capabilities, and a state-of-the-art domestic violence program that protects high-risk lethality victims and their children. These are just a few examples of his many accomplishments. 

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Under Matthew Hutchinson's leadership, the Sheriff's Office has made significant strides. We've implemented a Traffic Unit focused on reducing fatalities on our roadways, a multi-officer K9 Unit with highly trained drug detection and search capabilities, and a state-of-the-art domestic violence program that protects high-risk of lethality victims and their children. Our training and recruiting divisions have become second to none, resulting in a fully staffed agency, a rare commodity in New Mexico. These positive changes under Hutchinson's watch give us hope for a safer and more secure Eddy County.  

 

As Sheriff, Matthew Hutchinson will have Mark Cage as his Undersheriff. The Undersheriff plays a crucial role in supporting the Sheriff's duties and responsibilities, often acting as the Sheriff in their absence. Cage has over three decades of law enforcement experience, 12 of which have been as Sheriff or Undersheriff of ECSO. In addition, Sheriff Cage holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an Executive level certification with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. His extensive experience and qualifications will be invaluable in maintaining the high standards of the ECSO.

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The truth is that Victor Martinez has no platform to stand on. His “Issues” list on martinezforsheriff2024.com says he wants to, 

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• Improve recruiting and retraining employees. ECSO is fully staffed. 

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• Improve coverage throughout the county. ECSO has fully staffed offices, including Detectives, in Artesia and Carlsbad. Our Patrol Division covers over 4000 square miles 24/7, 365 days a year, with the best-equipped and trained Deputies in the State. 

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• Martinez says he wants to put school resource officers (SROs) in Artesia, Carlsbad, and Loving. Every municipality already has robust SRO programs in its schools; this is clear evidence that Victor Martinez is out of touch with the realities of law enforcement in Eddy County and does not understand the financial mismanagement he will be undertaking to supplement already viable SRO programs with taxpayer money. Or worse yet, he will pull valuable resources from our patrol division.  

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• Martinez says he wants to implement a K9 program. ECSO already has a modern professional K9 program.

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• Improve crime prevention. ECSO participates in many crime prevention programs, including Operation Hard Target, which focuses on active shooter response, Crime Stoppers, the Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition, etc.  

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• Drug education. The ECSO’s Pecos Valley Drug Task Force specializes in drug education for all citizens.

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• Martinez wants to create an oilfield task force. ECSO already participates in an Oil Field Crime Task Force and the New Mexico Security Group, which targets Permian Basin Crime. We have a full-time Oil Field Crime Detective who works with our oil company partners and other state and federal agencies to combat oil field crime.

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On a final note, Victor Martinez has received several endorsements from retired law enforcement officers in Eddy County. These are all people who I admire and respect. However, please note that they have been out of the law enforcement business for many years, most for over a decade. As a 35-year law enforcement veteran and a current Captain with ECSO, I have timely first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of one of the most professional organizations I have ever had the honor to work for.  

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The 2024 Sheriff's race will be decided during the Republican primary on June 4th. Let's keep the Eddy County Sheriff's Office moving forward as the premier New Mexico Sheriff's Office. Vote for Matthew Hutchinson for Sheriff.