Get to Know Victor
Victor Rodriguez, a proud New Mexico native, has called Sandoval County home since 2011. He and his wife, Eunice, have been married nearly 25 years, raising four children and welcoming two grandchildren.
With 25 years in law enforcement, Victor has served as a Sheriff's Lieutenant, Interim Warden, and Planning & Zoning Commissioner in Sandoval County. He has served as Chief of Police for multiple agencies throughout the state.
Victor holds master’s degrees in Business Administration and Criminal Justice, an Executive-Level Certification from the NMLEA, and is a graduate of Northwestern University, Police Staff & Command School, FBI Command School and, BIA Chiefs Command School.
He is a member of the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association, advocating for law enforcement in rural and tribal communities.
Victor Rodriguez offers trusted, experienced, and community-focused leadership in his candidacy for sheriff.
Victor's Priorities for Sandoval County
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Fight the Drug Crisis Head-On
We’re in a battle against fentanyl and dangerous narcotics. I will expand the Narcotics Unit, partner with federal agencies, and support recovery programs to include implementing a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program. Drug crime is fueling violence in our communities—and we must act with urgency.
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Respond to Mental Health Crises with Care
Mental health calls require trained responses—not jail time. I’ll implement Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) concept training for all deputies and establish dedicated crisis response units to safely de-escalate and connect people with help. Work with County Manager and Commissioners to establish a new Behavioral Sciences Clinician that will work directly out of the Sheriff’s Office and be available to respond to mental health crises calls.
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Recruit and Retain Quality Deputies
Our deputies are stretched thin. I will fight for better pay, stronger support, and career development programs to attract top talent and keep our best officers serving Sandoval County. Additionally, I will explore and advocate for federal and state funding thus reducing the financial obligations to our county residents.
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Trust Through Transparency
We must be accountable to the people we serve. I’ll publish use-of-force data, hold regular town halls, and maintain open channels with every community—urban, rural, and tribal.
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Create a Metro District and East Mountain District
The Sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the county. City, town, and village residents all deserve the same level of service from their local sheriff’s office. Although I am committed to collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, the Sheriff’s Office will establish a Metro District to solely serve the residents located in Rio Rancho, Bernalillo and Corrales areas. For our forgotten residents in the East Mountains, I am committed to working with the County Manager and Commissioners to find funding to establish a permanent substation, but I will immediately assign a deputy to patrol this new district every day for every shift.
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Strengthen Rural Law Enforcement
Rural residents deserve equal protection. I will increase patrols in underserved areas like Cuba, Jemez, the East Mountains, and all tribal Pueblos and Nations located in Sandoval County, ensuring fast, fair, and reliable service across the county. Committed to collaborating with local law enforcement agencies such as city, town, village, tribal or federal police to cross commission their officers, which serves as a force multiplier enhancing overall safety for everyone.
