Building a Safer Community Together

Building a safer community starts with awareness and collaboration. This section provides contact details for local police, neighborhood watch programs, and crime prevention tips to help you stay informed and proactive in keeping our community secure.

​Safety Tips for Business Owners
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If a person is in immediate danger of harm, if it looks Like a person is, or is about to be the victim of a potentially violent crime, if someone is threatening harm, or making statements of harm, if it is apparent that someone is, or is about to damage property: Call 911.

Aggressive Solicitation

• If the person is following you, and making threats in order to compel you to give money, call 911.
  
  
• If the person is intentionally blocking your path of travel call 911.
  
  
• If the person is following you asking for change, call police non-emergency number.
  
  
• Ultimately, if you are not sure, then call 911 The dispatchers are trained in prioritizing and triaging calls for service.
  
  
• If someone is trespassing, but not being physically threatening, call non emergency
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• If someone is being loud or obnoxious, but not violent or threatening violence: call non-emergency

Difference Between Felonies & Misdemeanors

• Felony: Officers can arrest for a felony without witnessing the offense by relying on witness statements and evidence.
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• Misdemeanor: Generally, officers can only arrest for a misdemeanor if they see it happen. There are a few exceptions.

Misdemeanor Exceptions

• Licensed Liquor Establishments: Arrests can be made for assault, battery, public fights, or property damage in bars, even if the officer didn't see it.
  
  
• Falsely Obtaining Services: Arrests can be made if someone gets services, food, entertainment, or accommodations without paying and intending to cheat.
  
  
• Shoplifting: Officers can arrest based on probable cause without witnessing the shoplifting.
  
  
• Domestic Violence: Officers can arrest if they believe someone committed assault or battery in a domestic dispute.
  
  
• Traffic Offenses: Usually, traffic misdemeanors need to be witnessed, but officers can arrest without a warrant on some traffic offenses if there's probable cause, especially at accident scenes.
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• Police Team Concept: One officer can arrest when another officer witnesses the crime.​

​Local Police & Sheriff Contacts

• Santa Fe Police Non-Emergency Dispatch:
  (505) 428-3710
  santafenm.gov/police/police-contacts
  Handles non-urgent police matters and reporting of certain violations.
• Crime Stoppers (Tip Line):
  (505) 955-5050 or Text Santa Fe to 274637
  Allows anonymous tips for crime-related information.
  
  
• Santa Fe Police Department
  2515 Camino Entrada
  Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
  santafenm.gov/police

Neighborhood Watch Programs

• City of Santa Fe Crime Prevention Programs:
  (505) 955-5304
  santafenm.gov/police/police-crime-prevention
  Provides resources and support for Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch programs.
• Drug Take Back Program:
  ​(505) 955-5304
  santafenm.gov/public-utilities/trash-and-recycling/special-waste
  Encourages safe disposal of unused medications, supporting community safety.

Crime Prevention Resources

• Safer New Mexico Now - Child Passenger Safety Programs:
  1 (800) 231-6145
  safernm.org/car-seat-safety
  Offers education and safety resources about keeping your children safer on New Mexico roads.
• False Alarm Reduction Program:
  ​(877) 215-4594
  santafenm.gov/police/police-crime-prevention/police-alarm-enforcement
  Supports reducing false alarms, providing registration services.

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ALERT Santa Fe

Alert Santa Fe is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Santa Fe to communicate with city residents during emergencies. Learn more and sign up.

File Police Reports Online
santafenm.gov/police/police-online-reporting
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• Theft of Property, after the fact
• Graffiti
• Minimal Damage Motor Vehicle Crashes

Constituent Services
(505) 955-6049
File an Online Request:
santafenm.gov/city-clerk-community-engagement/cs
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• Camping on public or private property (human defecation on private property is the responsibility of property owners)
• Trash clean-up on public or private land
• Graffiti found after the fact
• Code questions and violations

Tips for Community Safety

• Report Suspicious Activity
  If you see something unusual in your neighborhood, report it to local law enforcement.
  
  
• Join a Neighborhood Watch
  Collaborate with your neighbors to improve safety and reduce crime in your area.
  
  
• Stay Informed
  Sign up for local alerts and notifications to stay updated on community safety issues.
  
  
• Secure Your Property
  Use outdoor lighting, security cameras, and locks to deter potential intruders.
  
  
• Know Your Local Contacts
  ​Keep a list of non-emergency police contacts for reporting minor issues like noise complaints.