Bernalillo County Sheriff Announces Re-Election Bid

Albuquerque –

Through his campaign manager Neri Holguin, Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen has announced yesterday his intention to seek re-election as the sheriff of Bernalillo County.

Allen, who took office in January 2023, in his announcement e-mail, he has cited several initiatives undertaken during his tenure, including expansion of the department’s Drone as First Responder program, implementation of data-driven policing strategies, and efforts aimed at strengthening behavioral health response and violence prevention.

The e-mail touts, Allen’s leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has also increased enforcement targeting auto theft, expanded directed patrols aimed at traffic safety and continued proactive policing operations.

The announcement says the administration has promoted community engagement efforts such as the anonymous reporting tool Tip 411, school outreach programs and collaboration with Albuquerque Community Safety on youth violence and behavioral health responses.

According to the e-mail release, staffing levels at BCSO have reached approximately 94 percent following expanded recruitment and training efforts. The administration also created a compliance position to review crime trends and internal operations.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but there is more work to do,” Allen said in a statement.

Allen’s goal for his next term is to expand technology, enhance behavioral health response programs, strengthen youth intervention efforts, and forge partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to combat crime.

Candidate filing day is March 10. As of now, no other candidates have publicly announced plans to run for BCSO sheriff.

Sheriff Allen announced his bid for re-election one day after Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Schlattman was killed in the line of duty. Authorities said Sgt. Schlattman was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Carnuel when he was struck by a semi-truck. He died at the scene.

No additional details about the crash have been released. The investigation is being led by the Rio Rancho Police Department, with assistance from New Mexico State Police.

Editor Note: ABQRAW received this reelection announcement from John Allen’s campaign. If other sheriff candidates announce their intent to run and we receive their information or announcements, we will post their announcements as well.