Rod Saint for Otero County Sheriff

"Public safety will be my administration's top priority. I am committed to a professional, well-equipped, and highly trained Sheriff's Office that operates with the utmost integrity, honor, and professionalism—protecting our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools.

I'm running to represent all the people in Otero County who have not had a voice. A true democracy has contested races. I can't wait to debate, I am qualified, I bring 40 years experience to this elected office. I'm here to represent the people and not one party."

About Rod

My name is Rod Saint, a dedicated law enforcement professional with 41 years of distinguished service, always upholding the rule of law. I have successfully closed more than 3,434 documented criminal cases, including over 1,556 felony, misdemeanor, and traffic arrests. My record is built on proven results, not empty rhetoric—I deliver on commitments through decisive action.

My credentials include more than 3,000 hours of advanced training, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and a master's degree in criminology.

As Sheriff, my leadership will remain completely independent of political influence or agendas. Every decision will be grounded firmly in state and constitutional law, with an unwavering commitment to public safety, accountability, and transparency. I serve the people of Otero County—not politics or politicians. My only obligation is to you, the citizens, and I pledge to make our county safer and stronger.

Experience and strong leadership are the most critical qualities for Sheriff. Weak leadership allows crime to thrive; decisive, effective leadership prevents it. That is why it matters most when you cast your vote. Learn More

Endorsements

Memberships

Qualifications

PERSONAL INFORMATION: 

• Born in Roswell, raised and educated in Alamogordo where family settled in 1966.
• Married for 49 years in November.
• Have two adult children who were born in Alamo and have 7 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren (one deceased).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 

• I have 41 years of a distinguished law enforcement career.
• Hold New Mexico & Florida law enforcement certifications.
• Have held the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Criminal Investigator, FTO, Assistant Substation Commander and Interim Police Chief. 
• Experience with budgeting. 
• Formerly US Navy. 
• Emergency Medical Technician certification (EMT) 

EDUCATION: 

• Assoc degree in Psychology NMSU.
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice St. Leo Univ.
• Master’s degree in criminology Everest Univ.

 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• Crime Scene investigations.
• Sex Crimes investigations.
• Injury & Death investigations.
• Traffic Homicide investigations.
• Narcotic investigations & Identification.
• Street Gang identification.
• Undercover Techniques.
• Chemical Agent & Defense.
• Biological & Chemical Agents.
• Level II Hazardous Materials.
• Special Confinement Techniques.
• Community Oriented Policing.
• Hate Crimes investigations.
• Search & Seizure.
• Racial.Profiling.
• Hit & Run Veh Processing.
• Civil Rights Viol Investigation.
• Forensic Mapping Specialist.
• Civil Process Service.
• National Crime (NCIC).
• Line Supervision.
• Community Oriented Policing.
• Less Lethal Munition specialist.
• Mobile Field Force Team Leader (unlawful assembly / riot control).

ADVANCE LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Project Life Saver Instructor.
• Field Training Officer (FTO).
• Federal Grant Writing.
• Active Shooter & Response.
• FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Hostage Negotiation.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS:

• Meritorious Performance Award Commendations (24).
• Medal of Honor (3).
• Outstanding Community Service Award (US Postal Service Postmaster General).
• Fraternal Order of Police 1995 (Officer of the Year).
• Employee of the Year (BCSO).
• Graduated Valedictorian 1988 (NMSU).
• Graduated Honor Student 1988 (Florida Law Enforcement Academy).
• Graduated Honor Student 2004 (St. Leo Univ).
• Graduated Honor Student 2005 (Everest Univ).
• Who’s Who Among College Students (2006 & 2007).

25 YEAR STATISTICS:

• Documented Cases Worked – 3434.
• Documented arrests – 1556.
• Documented Felony Arrests – 489.
• Documented Misdemeanor Arrests – 994.
• Documented Advance Training Hours – Over 3000.

I have dedicated my life to law enforcement and serving the people. My commitment to the citizens of Otero County is to fix the years of substandard police work and bring integrity, honor and trust back to the Sheriff’s Office. 

TAKE A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

I am ready to tackle the longstanding issues facing the Otero County Sheriff's Office and restore public trust. Through a zero-tolerance, common-sense approach, I will prioritize drug offenses, domestic violence, driving under the influence, property crimes, and crimes against persons. Otero County will no longer contribute to New Mexico's high crime rates under my watch.

I also understand the vital link between mental health and public safety. Too often, deputies respond to individuals in crisis who need treatment, not arrest. As Sheriff, I will partner with providers to establish effective mental health support programs, allowing deputies to handle these situations with greater compassion and efficiency.

The current Sheriff swore an oath to protect and serve our families and communities, yet that oath has gone unfulfilled, eroding trust with the public and other agencies alike. The legacy of the Otero County Sheriff's Office has suffered as a result. As your Sheriff, I will rebuild that trust through unwavering dedication. If I ever fall short, I will step aside without hesitation.

I am running to bring real change and secure the brightest future for Otero County's citizens and its Sheriff's Office. I will uphold my constitutional duty to protect your rights, liberty, and safety—rejecting partisanship and guided always by honor, courage, and commitment.

In summary, public safety will be my administration's top priority. I am committed to a professional, well-equipped, and highly trained Sheriff's Office that operates with the utmost integrity, honor, and professionalism—protecting our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools.

With your trust and support, I will work tirelessly to make the Otero County Sheriff's Office a model of principled, effective law enforcement. Thank you for considering me as your next Sheriff. 

I am ready to tackle the longstanding issues facing the Otero County Sheriff's Office and restore public trust. Through a zero-tolerance, common-sense approach, I will prioritize drug offenses, domestic violence, driving under the influence, property crimes, and crimes against persons. Otero County will no longer contribute to New Mexico's high crime rates under my watch.

I also understand the vital link between mental health and public safety. Too often, deputies respond to individuals in crisis who need treatment, not arrest. As Sheriff, I will partner with providers to establish effective mental health support programs, allowing deputies to handle these situations with greater compassion and efficiency.

The current Sheriff swore an oath to protect and serve our families and communities, yet that oath has gone unfulfilled, eroding trust with the public and other agencies alike. The legacy of the Otero County Sheriff's Office has suffered as a result. As your Sheriff, I will rebuild that trust through unwavering dedication. If I ever fall short, I will step aside without hesitation.

I am running to bring real change and secure the brightest future for Otero County's citizens and its Sheriff's Office. I will uphold my constitutional duty to protect your rights, liberty, and safety—rejecting partisanship and guided always by honor, courage, and commitment.

In summary, public safety will be my administration's top priority. I am committed to a professional, well-equipped, and highly trained Sheriff's Office that operates with the utmost integrity, honor, and professionalism—protecting our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools.

With your trust and support, I will work tirelessly to make the Otero County Sheriff's Office a model of principled, effective law enforcement. Thank you for considering me as your next Sheriff.