Portales police receive grant

Freedom New Mexico

The Portales Police Department has received part of a $1.56 million award from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Portales Police Capt. Lonnie Berry said the department’s $152,844 award will add one officer, bringing the staff to 24.

“It basically pays for an officer for three years,” Portales Police Capt. Lonnie Berry said. The money will handle salary and benefits for an officer, a position for which Berry said the department will start seeking applications.

Other departments receiving awards include Alamogordo, Artesia, Hobbs, Moriarty and Taos Pueblo.