Wednesday, August 15, 2007

CSI: Belen/Los Lunas aided by new state-of-the-art vans

Clara Garcia News-Bulletin Staff Writer; cgarcia@news-bulletin.com

Police in small towns are more than likely strapped for resources to combat and enforce the law. But with the help of state legislators, the Belen and Los Lunas police departments have both received state-of-the-art tools that will assist them in their daily efforts.

Earlier this year, the two departments bought crime scene vehicles with money they received from the State Legislature in 2006. Each department received $116,000.

"I want to thank Sen. Michael Sanchez for helping us get these funds," said Los Lunas Police Chief Nick Balido. "If it weren't for his efforts, we wouldn't be able to afford this."

With the money the Los Lunas Police Department received, it purchased a mobile command center-crime scene unit. The RV-type vehicle is outfitted with everything officers will need to run their operation at a large-scale event.

Balido said that the vehicle is set up for a sophisticated radio communication system while the rear serves as a combination of office and meeting space.

"We can use this for a variety of events," Balido said. "We will be using it for checkpoints and special projects.

"This is just a tool in which we can centralize our officers when we're at a large crime scene. We'll be able to work in here while we're out on the field. This is something that was needed, and it's very much appreciated."

The new mobile command center is equipped with numerous capabilities such as computer consoles, a fax machine and phone lines.

Belen Police Chief Mike Chavez said he's also grateful to Sanchez for his help in acquiring the funds for his new crime scene unit.

"My thanks goes out to Sen. Sanchez for doing this for us," Chavez said. "He really helped this department."

Unlike Los Lunas' new vehicle, Belen's new unit is designed specifically for crime scene investigations. Chavez said a lot of research was done before he decided from which type of vehicle the department would most benefit.

In September, Chavez will be sending all of his detectives to South Carolina, where they will receive a crash course in how to operate every single part of the van. The new crime scene unit is equipped with the latest crime-solving technology from fingerprint kits to drug and blood testing solvents to camera equipment.

"It's just amazing," Chavez said of the department's crime scene van. "I want them (the detectives) to know that van from front to back — I want them to learn what every single kit is for and how they can use it out in the field. This training is specifically for our detectives and our van."

Chavez said one of the most important reasons for getting the crime scene van was to make sure that evidence will be handled properly and will be ready for court.

"We're trying to keep in line with the growth," Chavez said. "Valencia County is the second fastest growing county in the state, and we want to be prepared and start doing the majority of processing of our own cases."

Chavez said prior to acquiring the unit, he would have to ask for state police to assist in processing more difficult crime scenes. He said that now Belen detectives will have the training and capabilities that some of the larger departments have had for years.

The chief said he will still be enlisting the help of state police, but he wants to see how much his officers can do.

"We'll use state police as an aid instead of relying on them," Chavez said. "This crime scene van will help us move forward."

The police chief said he hopes that this new tool will not only help his officers but will help the citizens of Belen as well.

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