Darrell "Keith" Elder Email & Phone Number

I started my public service career over 35 years ago as a volunteer firefighter. I received an appointment to the New Mexico State Police academy, and retired honorably after 22 years as a State Police Sergeant in Internal Affairs. I continued my career with the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. I began as a deputy, then a detective, and was promoted to lieutenant in 2009. As a lieutenant, I commanded several divisions within the sheriff's office. Prior to accepting my current position, I served as the Administrative Lieutenant and managed the recruiting, training, community relations, school resource officers, animal control officers, professional standards, and PIO operations. Currently, I am the Advanced Training Bureau Chief at the NMDPS/ Law Enforcement Academy. I am responsible for providing training opportunities and information to law enforcement agencies, officers, instructors, and telecommunicators throughout New Mexico. I review and award course accreditation to instructional materials and conferences for CE credit, review and award advanced level certification for LEOs, review and award instructor certifications to sworn and non-sworn LE professionals. I also provide instruction for train the trainer courses and continuing education to all levels of law enforcement officers. I have attained a Command level certification from the NM Law Enforcement Academy for educational achievement and operational service. I am a Master Firearms Instructor, Instructor Development Master, General Police Instructor, Use of Force Instructor, and Traffic Radar Instructor. I use these instructor certifications to maintain the professionalism of the law enforcement through continued training and development. Currently, I assist the Sandoval County Fair Board in obtaining the annual Fair and Rodeo Parade permit. I have implemented a Shot Clinic program to promote low cost domestic animal rabies vaccinations in various communities within the county.