New SOAR members welcomed; board reviews Open Meetings rules, committee plans and training academy visit

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Advisory Review Board opened with roll call, welcomed new members and approved minutes from its Feb. 20 and March 20 meetings by voice vote. Chair reminded members that the board is governed by the county ordinance that established SOAR and by the New Mexico Open Meetings Act.

Daniel Robertson, assistant county attorney, advised members to avoid email exchanges that could create a "rolling quorum," cautioning that replies from enough members can constitute an unlawful decision outside a public meeting. "There's this thing in New Mexico called the rolling quorum," Robertson said, and he advised members not to reply in ways that could trigger the Open Meetings Act.

Members asked what information the board can request from the sheriff, including body‑camera compliance, internal investigation summaries and staffing demographics. The chair said the ordinance allows SOAR to request information but does not obligate the sheriff to provide it; the board can make recommendations and pursue public input through listening sessions.

Committee updates: members reported a field visit to the Public Safety Training Academy, where deputies described ongoing in‑service training, a VR simulator for scenario training and peer‑support efforts. Several members praised the facility and suggested continued emphasis on practical street skills. The community engagement committee discussed plans to hold listening sessions in neighborhoods (South Valley and East Mountains), distribute pamphlets and coordinate with county communications; staff will provide a template for any materials using the county logo.

Logistics and next steps: the board agreed to keep a bi‑monthly meeting cadence (every other month) with committees meeting in off months, and set the next full meeting for July 17 at 1 p.m. The chair will collect committee and member responses about committee assignments and circulate an updated list.