▼

Police Department

Show All Answers

1. How do I find out if someone has been arrested?

You may go to the link and click on current arrest or date of arrest Arrest

2. Where do I go to pay a traffic ticket?

If the ticket was written by an officer of the Artesia Police Department, you may pay your ticket at the Artesia Municipal Court located at 3300 West Main Street. If the ticket was written by a deputy with the Eddy County Sheriff's Office, you may pay your ticket at the Artesia Magistrate Court.

3. Where is the records department located and what are the hours of operation?

The records department is located at the Public Safety Complex, 3300 W. Main Street, Artesia, New Mexico. The department is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

4. How much does it cost to get copies of reports or background checks?

The records department provides reports and background checks at no cost.

5. Can I get a copy of someone else's arrest record?

Only the subject of the arrest record may get copies of their record, unless they authorize someone else specifically to obtain the records. Authorization must be written and notarized and the person authorized must have a picture identification.

6. Can I find out if I have an active warrant for my arrest?

The best way to find this information is to contact the courts in person. Because we cannot verify identity over the telephone, we cannot release the information if you call.

7. When do I call 911?

Call 911 when you are having an emergency requiring an immediate response from the police or fire department.

If you are needing to file an incident or accident report where emergency services are not needed, you may call the main police line at 575-746-5000.

8. How and when do I report suspicious activity?

Report any activity that seems out of the ordinary and may help stop a crime before it is committed. Call 911 if the activity is ongoing and may require emergency services. Otherwise, call the main line at 575-746-5000.

9. Can a police report be taken over the telephone?

Yes, in some cases where a police officer's response is not needed. You may call the main line at 575-746-5000 to be put in contact with an officer.

10. How do I file a complaint or compliment on an employee of the police department?

Contact the Internal Affairs Unit at (575) 746-5014 during normal business hours or an on-duty supervisor after hours. Complaint/compliment forms can be completed online or also be obtained from the records department at the Public Safety Complex or at the Artesia City Hall. Complement Complaint Form

11. Where is the Artesia Police Department located?

We are located at 3300 West Main Street.

12. What are the hours of the Artesia Police Department?

We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for those needing police assistance. Our administration hours for picking up copies of reports or other administrative requests are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The administrative offices are closed on weekends and holidays.

13. I was in a motor vehicle crash. Do I need to contact the police?

You need to contact the police department for all types of vehicle crashes that occur on public property. If an accident occurs on private property, the individuals may exchange insurance information without the response of an officer. For a hit and run occurring on private property, an officer will respond to complete an information report.

14. How can I obtain a copy of my accident/incident report?

You may request copies of reports in person at the records department located at 3300 West Main, by completing the online request form located on the records department page, or by faxing the request form to 575-746-5028.

15. How can I get a background check completed for myself?

The Artesia Police Department can do a local records check (Artesia Police records only) and provide you with a written document containing results of the search. You will need to present a photo ID to the records department located at 3300 West Main Street to obtain the report.

To obtain a FULL criminal background check, you will need to go to the FBI's web page (http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/criminal-history-summary-checks).

16. I have been a victim of identity theft. What do I do?

Contact the following credit bureaus:

Equifax 1-888-766-0008
Transunion 1-800-680-7289
Experian 1-888-397-3742

If you are a resident of Artesia and are a victim of identity theft, call the non-emergency number at 575-746-5000 to have an officer dispatched to take a report or come to the police department to file a report. You should have all paperwork/evidence available regarding the identity theft.

17. How do I obtain a restraining order or an order for protection?

The police department does not provide restraining orders. You must go the Eddy County District Court. For assistance with the process, you may contact Grammy's House at 575-748-1198 or go by 811 West Texas.

Once the restraining order has been issued, the order must be served before it is considered to be in effect. At that point, if the order is violated, the police can act upon it.

18. I have lost my citation. How can I pay my fine?

The police department does not accept payments for citations. You must contact the Artesia Municipal Court at 575-746-9401. They can assist you with citation information.

19. I lost something and want to know if it was turned into the police department or I want to see if I can retrieve my confiscated property. Who do I contact?

Any property turned in is inventoried into the property and evidence room. You can call 575-746-5000 to see if your property has been turned in to us. Confiscated property is also located in our property/evidence room. To retrieve your property, you must complete a Request for Property Form located at the records department. Once the Evidence Technicians research the items, they will contact you with additional information.

20. If the Artesia Police Department towed my car, how can I find out where it is located?

The police department uses multiple towing services in the local area. You may contact us at 575-746-5000 to obtain information regarding which tow company was used for your vehicle.

21. I locked my keys in my vehicle. Will the police respond to open my vehicle for me?

The Artesia Police Department will respond to vehicle lock-outs ONLY if it is an emergency situation (if a child or animal is locked in the vehicle).

22. Does the Artesia Police Department provide fingerprint services?

We do not provide fingerprinting services for the public. Local fingerprinting services are available through The Cop Shop located at 327 West Main Street.

23. I would like my child seat inspected to ensure it was installed properly. Does the police department have someone certified to do this?

The department has two certified staff who inspect car seats. You can call 575-746-5000 to find out when they are available to complete an inspection.

You can also contact the Women, Infant and Children's (WIC) program located at 1001 Memorial Drive or call 575-746-3664. Each of the WIC staff have been certified to complete inspections.