New state police captain ready for 'the front lines'

New Mexico State Police Capt. Jerry L. Cottrell leans against a patrol car at the Gallup New Mexico State Police headquarters. Cottrell was promoted to captain and transferred to Gallup from Roswell. (Photo by John A. Bowersmith/Independent)

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Newly promoted State Police Capt. Jerry Cottrell is no stranger to western New Mexico.

He served about seven years with the department in Grants as a patrolman and as a sergeant, about a third of his nearly 20 year law enforcement career.

"I'm very familiar with the area," he said after five days on the job.

Cottrell was both transferred from Roswell to the state police's Gallup branch and promoted from the rank of lieutenant to captain.

Cottrell's predecessor, Richard Cron, was also promoted to major and now resides in Santa Fe, where he works as the zone commander for the western part of the state.

"He's still in charge of the area and will be involved," Cottrell said of Cron.

As captain, Cottrell oversees the day-to-day operations of the Gallup and Grants branches. He said state police regularly assist local departments such as the Gallup Police Department and other smaller community law enforcement offices when needed.

He said officers also respond to situations in smaller communities that do not have their own local department.

"We're capable of handling any type of call that requires a law enforcement response," he said. He said he has no preliminary plans to make changes within the office.

"I just want to add to or enhance the current operations," he said.

He said the two major issues that threaten the Gallup area are the number of individuals who drive while under the influence of alcohol and the high rate of domestic violence.

He said the department will increase officer patrol of the areas where the highest numbers of DWI incidents are reported. Another area of his focus will be under-age drinking. He said he will also encourage the prosecution of adults who provide minors with alcohol.

"I like to be involved in addressing the major issues that affect the area, the state and the nation," he said. " ... I like to be on the front lines."