Regional law enforcement agencies joined the Gallup Police Department for a collaboration meeting to  promote continued planning and coordination.

The meeting, held Jan. 18 at the El Morro Events Center, covered a variety of issues facing law enforcement across the state and region, especially the ongoing efforts to prevent and investigate cases of  Missing or Murdered Indigenous People. Representatives from the GPD, Navajo Police Department, New Mexico State Police, McKinley County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Office and Albuquerque Police Department were in attendance.

Reycita Billie, MMIP Liaison with the Navajo Police Department, began the meeting and introduced GPD Chief  Erin Toadlena-Pablo, who welcomed the group and provided an update on her department’s work.

In 2023,  she said, the GPD investigated 167 missing persons cases, 144 of which were closed. She also reported 18 of  those cases were from other jurisdictions, which is an ongoing issue because of Gallup’s geographic positioning. She stressed the importance of collaborating and sharing resources to address MMIP cases across the region.

“Our communities are connected in so many ways, and partnering with other law enforcement agencies is vital to not only prevent and investigate missing persons cases, but also leverage resources for better  outcomes,” Toadlena-Pablo said after the meeting. “The other agencies face similar issues as Gallup in their communities, and these meetings are important to collaborate and learn from each other.”

The meeting also covered topics like active shooters, sex offender registration, and saw a presentation by Kyle Manuelito, an outreach worker with Four Corners Detox Recovery Center. The group plans to meet again in April at a location to be determined.