Bernalillo County Sheriff: John Allen (D)*
Candidate Q&A
Name: John Allen
Political Party: Democrat
Occupation: Bernalillo County Sheriff
City of Residence: Albuquerque
Relevant Experience: 29 years of Law Enforcement and current Bernalillo County Sheriff.
Education: Associates degree/ Integrated Studies with Honors
Age: 51
Campaign Website:
What are three concrete actions you would take to address crime in the county?
We will aggressively pursue repeat violent offenders. Using advanced technology, we will pinpoint crime hotspots and deploy resources where they have the greatest impact. We will continue to invest in and deploy our behavioral health unit to address the root causes of crime, including mental health challenges, substance abuse, and their connection to gun violence.
What differentiates you from your opponent?
What sets me apart is experience within this agency, credibility with the rank and file, and a leadership style grounded in action not just administration. I have built trust with our deputies because I understand the job at every level. Effective leadership requires being present, supporting deputies and a firsthand understanding of the challenges they face.
What do you think should be the relationship between the Albuquerque Police Department and the Sheriff's Office and how would you foster that relationship?
The relationship must be unified, proactive, and results-driven. Crime crosses jurisdictions, so we must operate as one team. We already support APD through proactive enforcement. I will strengthen coordination through planning and communication. With strong leadership, trust and include my relationship with Chief Cecily Barker.
What are the biggest issues concerning crime and public safety in the unincorporated parts of Bernalillo County?
The biggest challenge is distance large geographic areas with fewer resources spread across them. That impacts response times and consistent coverage. While our response times are strong, I am focused on reducing them further by leveraging technology to better cover those distances and supplement manpower in the field.
Should local law enforcement cooperate and/or assist federal immigration agents? Why or why not?
No! Local law enforcement should not engage in routine civil immigration enforcement. It undermines trust, leading to underreporting and reluctance from victims and witnesses especially in domestic violence and sexual assault cases. Limited cooperation is appropriate for serious criminal offenses or with judicial warrants, ensuring public safety without compromising community relationships and accountability.
If elected, what would you do to keep guns out of the hands of juveniles?
Education comes first teaching juveniles the real dangers of firearms and consequences of misuse. We must also enforce the law consistently, holding offenders accountable. At the same time, I support strong diversion programs that provide alternatives to violence, giving young people a path away from crime while ensuring serious gun offenses are addressed decisively.
What, if any, changes would you make to the structure and operations of the Sheriff鈥檚 Department? Please explain.
We are on the right track and we will move forward with not only our success but what works for the community we serve.
Personal background
1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No.
2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No.
3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain
No.