Editor:
Since attempting to gain employment with the county of Rio Arriba, it has been brought to my attention that many of their hiring procedures could be considered questionable.
There have been many positions advertised for Detention Center Cadet in recent months. This position requires a high school diploma, pass entry drug screening and a background check.
I was fortunate to have been granted an interview by Human Resource Director Ms. Jessica Madrid, Jail Administrator Larry H. DeYapp, Assistant Administrator Dennis R. Herrera and Supervisor Jose Gallegos (unofficial assistant to the assistant). During the interview process I was asked many questions, one in particular being, “You are working the control center, and your are about to be relieved by an employee who smells of alcohol. What would you do?” Naturally an educated person would not let such an individual take control of a post in such a condition that would compromise the safety and security of the facility.
Being a graduate of New Mexico State University I have been awarded two degrees in Criminal Justice, and have been educated in correctional law, criminal procedure, criminal law and law enforcement issues. I have held law enforcement positions in the past.
However, I was considered to be unqualified/undereducated for such a position. It has been brought to my attention that County jail administration has hired individuals with
DWI’s, embezzlement, and questionable backgrounds. So should their hiring practices be looked at?
Tirzio Lopez
Las Cruces