Taos Police Unionize for Better Pay and Effective Community Policing

In the heart of Taos, New Mexico, a new initiative is taking root among the local police force, spurred by the need for better compensation and resources. Officer Lucas Martinez, who has deep familial ties to this historic and culturally rich area, is at the forefront of this movement.

Born and raised in Taos, Martinez embodies the spirit of the community he serves. His family has been part of Northern New Mexico for 11 generations, giving him a unique connection to the people and the landscape. "It’s more than just enforcing laws. It’s about serving the community and protecting those who can’t protect themselves," Martinez stated, reflecting on his dedication to law enforcement. "Each one of us chose this profession because we really do care about the community and making a difference here."

Despite their commitment, Taos police officers face financial challenges that affect their ability to attract and retain talent. In response, Martinez and his fellow officers have allied with AFSCME Council 18 to form a new union, a decision supported unanimously by the force.

“We realized we should’ve done this a long time ago,” Martinez noted. “Getting competitive pay would help us recruit and retain more officers, which means we can be a more effective police department.” As the 15-member unit prepares to negotiate their inaugural contract, establishing a competitive pay scale and introducing training incentives are top priorities.

Martinez emphasized the importance of training, saying, “The more trained an officer is, the better they are at handling anything you throw at them. The community benefits from that. They’re getting a better quality of work, which builds on that trust and accountability.”

As public safety professionals increasingly seek collective bargaining power, AFSCME members across corrections, law enforcement, and emergency response continue to stand proud in their duty to safeguard communities. For more information on how to get involved, visit the AFSCME Public Safety website.