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.

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.

More from Local News

Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.
Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.