In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1. Call (575)396-3611 for non-emergencies.
Sheriff Corey Helton
Sheriff since 2018
I have lived in Lea County for 27 years with my wife after we relocated from Wyoming. It is my honor to serve the people of Lea County who welcomed my family and me with open arms and made this community feel like home. The fact I get to serve alongside the upstanding men and women of the Lea County Sheriff’s Office is what makes it all p
I have lived in Lea County for 27 years with my wife after we relocated from Wyoming. It is my honor to serve the people of Lea County who welcomed my family and me with open arms and made this community feel like home. The fact I get to serve alongside the upstanding men and women of the Lea County Sheriff’s Office is what makes it all possible.
Having worked on ranches and guided hunters and fishermen when I was younger, I entered the United States Army in 1987 and served on numerous deployments throughout the world. I attended Ranger School, Airborne School, Sniper School, and other schools during my service and was honorably discharged in 1994. I almost immediately began my career with the Hobbs Police Department. My first position in law enforcement in Lea County, I spent 22 years at HPD and served as a Field Training Officer (FTO), Sergeant, SWAT, Commander, K-9 Handler, and Detective. Additionally, I was appointed to the Lea County Fair Board in 2011 and served there for 7 years, the last 5 as Chairman.
It is my honor to have served as Lea County Sheriff since 2018. One of the greatest rewards is being part of the growth and development of young Deputies as they continually strive to be better in their positions and more involved with our communities. They sincerely care and are the backbone of this office and all our success.
I hope you feel comfortable to reach out to myself or any other member of this office for any assistance or information. Rest assured we will go the extra mile for you.
Undersheriff Michael Walker
Undersheriff since 2018
I was born in Seminole, Texas and have lived in Hobbs for most of my life. I graduated from Hobbs High School in 1995 and from New Mexico Junior College in 1998. I graduated from the Southeastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in May 1999. In May 2019, I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Administrati
I was born in Seminole, Texas and have lived in Hobbs for most of my life. I graduated from Hobbs High School in 1995 and from New Mexico Junior College in 1998. I graduated from the Southeastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in May 1999. In May 2019, I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Administrative Leadership. In March 2016, I completed the FBI National Academy Session 263.
In December of 1998, I began my career in law enforcement at the Hobbs Police Department. I spent the next 20 years at the Hobbs Police Department where I served in the Motorcycle Traffic Division, as Patrol Sergeant, Criminal Investigations Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Captain. As Captain, I oversaw all divisions at one point or another which provided me with great insight to the administrative functions of the police department.
In June 2018, Sheriff Corey Helton appointed me as Undersheriff. I am passionate about making the Sheriff’s Office the most professional agency in the State of New Mexico. As an office, we have made great improvements to technology which support the mission of the Sheriff’s Office. In addition, we provide consistent and progressive training in leadership and other areas at all levels of the organization with the goal of supporting each member of the office.
It is our honor and pleasure to serve the great citizens of Lea County, New Mexico and to support them in their values.
Divisions
Patrol
Traffic Unit
K9 Division
The two primary functions of the Patrol Division are community safety and crime reduction. Patrol Deputies respond to calls for service. Their duties include traffic enforcement and safety, traffic crash investigations, crimes in progress, crime prevention, and community relations.
K9 Division
Traffic Unit
K9 Division
The K-9 Unit consists of two single-purpose narcotics detection canines and a tracking and apprehension canine. Single-purpose detection canines are trained to detect the odor of illicit drugs in various places. A tracking and apprehension canine is used to locate items and illicit drugs thrown by a suspect while fleeing. This canine also assists in finding lost individuals in rural areas.
Traffic Unit
Traffic Unit
Traffic Unit
The primary functions of the traffic unit are traffic enforcement, traffic safety, reduction of traffic speed, and investigations of traffic crashes. This unit serves as a monitor of safe traffic flow on all heavily traveled roadways of Lea County.
SWAT
Training & Recruiting
Traffic Unit
The Lea County Regional S.W.A.T. is comprised of multiple agencies from Lea County. The team functions within its five primary elements of command, tactical, negotiations, medical, and support. Their mission is to facilitate a successful end to high-risk situations, with minimum risk to the public and personnel.
Training & Recruiting
Training & Recruiting
Training & Recruiting
The training division oversees and manages the training requirements of each deputy to maintain their New Mexico law enforcement certification. The training and recruiting Corporal networks to provide additional advanced training opportunities to Deputies interested in expanding their law enforcement knowledge. The recruiting side of this division locates quality applicants utilizing a rigorous hiring process.
Courts/Transports
Training & Recruiting
Training & Recruiting
The courts division provides security to the Lea County Courthouse, courtroom security in the district courtrooms, and assists in bailiff duties for the District Court Judges. The transports division is responsible for transporting inmates to and from the courts within Lea County and transporting inmates to Lea County from across the United States.
Criminal Investigations
Criminal Investigations
Criminal Investigations
The Criminal Investigations Division is comprised of an Investigations Sergeant and five Criminal Investigators. Investigators respond and assume primary investigative and enforcement authority over all deaths, batteries that may result in death or grievous bodily injury, sex crimes, child abuse and neglect crimes, kidnapping, robbery, child abductions, and cold case investigations. Investigators are highly trained professionals in investigating oilfield theft, property crimes, violent crimes, and crimes against children.
Public Information
Criminal Investigations
Criminal Investigations
Regular hours of the Public Information Office are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A Public Information Officer will be made available for emergencies and urgent matters. This office prepares statements, press releases, coordinates media and print broadcasting of agency activities, and serves as the liaison between the Sheriff's Office and local, state, and national media sources. You may reach this office at (575)396-8218.