Classical Carousel Midnight - 7:00am

Listen Live

Search

Farmington Schools Hires first Armed Campus Safety Monitor

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 7:48 PM

Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe administering the oath to new Armed Campus Safety Officer James Roberts

 The FMS Board of Education authorized school security personnel to carry firearms on school premises during their January 9, 2024, meeting. The move paved the way for the hiring of Armed Campus Safety Monitors (ACSMs), former certified law enforcement officers tasked with providing an additional layer of protection for students and staff during emergencies.

From Farmington Schools:

Monday, April 1, 2024

On Monday, April 1, 2024, Mr. James Roberts was officially sworn in by Chief Steve Hebbe of the Farmington Police Department as the first FMS armed campus safety monitor.

 Mr. Roberts comes with a lot of experience in keeping people safe, with more than 20 years in law enforcement, working with both the Bloomfield Police Department and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. His expertise includes certifications as a Drugs Recognition Examiner, SWAT, and Field Training Officer before he retired as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division. Mr. Roberts has also spent three years as a Campus Safety Monitor for the Farmington Municipal Schools, so he knows our schools well.

 “I’m excited to start a new chapter and I’m looking forward to this opportunity. It will be great to work in collaboration with the Farmington Police Department to ensure the safety of students and staff at Farmington Municipal Schools,” said Mr. James Roberts.

 “One of the district’s most important goals is to make sure we are providing a safe environment for students and staff, and this new program will do precisely that. The efforts of our Safety Department and our collaborative work with local law enforcement agencies create a more connected community and a safer one for all,” said Superintendent Cody Diehl.

 The FMS Board of Education authorized school security personnel to carry firearms on school premises during their January 9, 2024, meeting. The move paved the way for the hiring of Armed Campus Safety Monitors (ACSMs), former certified law enforcement officers tasked with providing an additional layer of protection for students and staff during emergencies.

ACSMs, after passing rigorous evaluations and specialized training, will have the authority to enforce misdemeanor crimes, temporarily detain individuals for violent offenses, and conduct searches on people and property on our campuses. This decision followed more than nine months of discussions with partners at the Farmington Police Department and consultations with other school districts, and risk management group Poms and Associates.

 Mr. Roberts will be getting extra training over the summer from the Farmington Police Department to prepare for his new role. He'll be working at Piedra Vista High School starting in August, making sure it's a safer place for everyone.

Share

More from Local News

  • Farmington Hires New Museum Director

     “Nathan’s expertise in the museum industry, combined with his global perspective and passion for community engagement, make him a tremendous asset to Farmington,” said Christa Chapman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We’re excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Farmington Museum System.”

  • San Juan Co. Child Contracts Measles

    While the child caught measles outside San Juan County, people may have been exposed to this latest case of measles at the following locations, days and times:  San Juan Regional Medical Center Emergency Room, 801 West Maple Street in Farmington on the following days and times:   Monday, May 26 from 10:30 p.m. - Tuesday, May 27 at 4:15 a.m.  Wednesday, May 28 from 2 - 4 p.m.   San Juan Regional Medical Center Health Partners Pediatrics Clinic, 407 South Schwartz, Suite 102 in Farmington:  Friday, May 30 from 8:15 - 10:30 a.m. 

  • Bloomfield Police Officer Dies from Injuries

    Officer Ontiveros has been with the Bloomfield Police Department since December 2024 and previously worked for the Farmington Police Department. Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the Aztec Fire Department since 2017.

  • Suspect Killed, Bloomfield Police Officer Injured after gunfight

    Bloomfield Police Department officers were conducting a traffic stop when the subject shot at an officer, striking the officer, and an officer’s weapon was also discharged. Tragically, the subject has died as a result of the incident. Their identity will be released by the Office of the Medical Investigator once next of kin have been notified.

  • Two Dead after Officer-Involved Shooting in Farmington

    According to initial witness statements, the male subject was in the passenger seat of a vehicle being driven by a female. Witnesses reported that the vehicle moved toward law enforcement officers while the male subject attempted to climb into the driver’s seat. Shots were fired by U.S. Marshals during the incident. Both the male subject and the female driver were pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured.

  • One Dead After House Fire Saturday Afternoon

    Second occupant in critical condition; Identity of victims not yet released.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 99°F | Low: 55°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 95°F | Low: 43°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 104°F | Low: 54°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 99°F | Low: 52°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 93°F | Low: 59°F