NPD Monthly Roll Call

In law enforcement, success is often measured by statistics: response times, clearance rates, and annual crime 

reports. But if you walk the halls of the Nogales Police Department, you will find that its officers measure their success

 in a different currency one denominated in sticky high-fives from preschoolers, the squeak of sneakers on a gym court, and the sugary sweetness of birthday pizza.

In an era where the relationship between communities and police can often feel strained, the men and women of the NPD are rewriting the  narrative, one personal interaction at a time. They are operating under a simple, powerful philosophy: you cannot protect a community you do not know, and you cannot know a community if you only meet it in crisis.

A Lesson in TA Lesson in Trust at Carrust at Career Deer Dayay

Recently, the campus of Saint Andrew’s Pre-school was buzzing with the kind of energy that only tiny humans on a sugar high can generate. But the excitement wasn’t just about snack time. Sergeant Batriz had arrived for Career Day, and for a group of children whose world is usually limited to sandboxes and story time, a police officer is a giant.

Sergeant Batriz kneeled at the students’ eye level, demonstrating that the person behind the badge is just that, a person. Jean, a young student with wide eyes, clutched a crayon drawing she had made. In a photo that encapsulates the NPD’s community focus, Batriz kneels beside her, taking the drawing as seriously as he would a formal report. In another image, a little boy beams up at the Sergeant, his small hand wrapped around Batriz’s finger, looking not at an authority figure, but at a friendly giant.

The engagement didn’t stop with Batriz. Detective Soto took time to explain his job to the students, showing them that police work isn’t just about chasing bad guys, it’s about solving puzzles and helping people. Meanwhile, Parking Control Adcock, often the target of driver frustration, was seen laughing and interacting with the kids, proving that every member of the department, regardless of their specific duty, plays a role in community care.

“If the only time a child sees a police officer is during a scary situation at home or a traffic stop with their parents, we’ve already lost that battle,” a spokesperson for the department noted. “But if they meet us at a career day or a school event, they learn that we are their neighbors, their friends, and their protectors.”

When Teachers and Cops Go Head-to-Head

The connection between NPD and the youth of Nogales isn’t just about sentimentality; it’s also about healthy competition. At Lincoln Elementary, the gymnasium bleachers were packed with students cheering at the top of their lungs. On the court, Corporal Duran wasn’t directing traffic or investigating a scene; he was dribbling a basketball, facing off against the students’ favorite teachers in the annual teacher vs. students basketball game.

In that moment, Corporal Duran wasn’t an enforcer of the law. He was a teammate, an opponent, and a source of entertainment. By sweating it out on the court, he showed the students that police officers share their interests, their passions, and their competitive spirit.

The Importance of Connection

Why does this matter? Because community safety is not a product manufactured by the police and delivered to the public. It is a garden that must be tended by everyone. When a child high-fives Sergeant Batriz at a career day, they learn that the uniform means safety. When a family sees Sergeant Lechuga at their child’s birthday party, they learn that the police are part of the community fabric.

The Nogales Police Department understands that trust is built not in the moments of emergency, but in the quiet, everyday moments of life. By showing up for career days, basketball games, and baby visits, they are investing in a future where the next generation doesn’t see them as an occupying force, but as neighbors who just happen to carry a badge.

The annual awards ceremony at the Nogales Police Department presents a formal celebration of excellence: plaques, handshakes, and proud smiles as Sergeant Gaston Ortega is named 2025 Officer of the Year and Fernanda Leyva is honored as the Professional Staff Member of the Year. However, to grasp the true story of this police force, one must look beyond the podium and observe the vibrant, everyday moments of service that characterize their year.

The real achievement is intricately woven into the community's fabric. It is evident in the eager faces of students at Wade Carpenter Middle School during Career Day, where officers not only discussed their jobs but also inspired young imaginations. It is also reflected in the camaraderie between a member of the Rio Rico Fire Department and the police, symbolizing the inter-agency unity that keeps the county safe.

The department's commitment is evident in the determined expressions of applicants enduring physical training alongside Corporal Calvillo and Sergeant Batriz, who are working to build a stronger force from the ground up. It is evident in the focused bond between K-9 Officer Castillo and his partner, Jack, a silent dialogue of trust that speaks volumes.

Additionally, it is found in the watchful presence of Officer Orozco, Corporal Acosta, and School Resource Officer Sanchez, who build connections with youth, transforming the perception of policing from a distant authority to an approachable mentorship.

At the center of this community tapestry are this year’s honorees. Sergeant Ortega’s leadership is undoubtedly reflected in these scenes of proactive engagement and dedication. Meanwhile, Staff Member of the Year Fernanda Leyva, an Evidence Technician, represents the indispensable yet often unseen backbone of the department. Her meticulous work ensures that the evidence gathered by officers in the field holds firm in the pursuit of justice, a crucial link in the chain that protects the community.

“These awards aren’t about one brilliant moment,” said Police Chief Roy Bermudez. “They represent the consistent, daily choice to serve with integrity, whether you’re in a patrol car, a classroom, or the evidence room. Sgt. Ortega and Ms. Leyva exemplify that standard, and their work is mirrored in the commitment we see across our entire team.”

Thus, while the awards highlight two standout names for 2025, the narrative they convey is collective. It is a story of a police department that measures its success not just by the number of calls answered, but by the futures inspired, partnerships forged, and a community strengthened by every individual’s contribution from the K-9 unit to the Career Day volunteer to the expert behind the scenes.

As we enter this holiday season, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to our community for your continued trust, support, and partnership throughout the year.

The holidays are a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. They remind us of the values that unite us—kindness, compassion, and looking out for one another. Those same values guide the men and women of this department every day as they work to keep our neighborhoods safe.

During the holidays, we take time to reflect, feel gratitude, and come together. This season highlights the shared values that bring us closer together: kindness, compassion, and a commitment to look out for our neighbors. These are the very values that drive the dedicated men and women of our police department as they work daily to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods.

While many gather with family and friends, our officers and professional staff will remain on duty, committed to serving and protecting the community we are proud to call home. We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly, look out for your neighbors, and take a moment to check on those who may need assistance during this season.

On behalf of the entire Nogales Police Department, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and joyful holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Carlos L. Jimenez
Chief of Police

We are thrilled to introduce our readers to this month's community feature, which will highlight the efforts of individuals and groups working to make Nogales a safer, more connected, and more informed place. Introducing the NPD Monthly Roll Call, a monthly page dedicated to highlighting ongoing projects, community partnerships, and the many ways the Nogales Police Department (NPD) works to build 

relationships across the city. Nogales residents will gain a deeper understanding of the officers, staff, and programs that support and uplift our 

community behind the scenes through this new section.

Recently, the Nogales Police Department hosted a heartfelt and energetic community presentation honoring the people behind the badge, which 

perfectly captured the spirit of this new initiative. It was a visual journey celebrating the department's dedication, teamwork, and compassion from the moment the lights dimmed.

Spotlights on the D.A.R.E. program at Challenger Elementary brought warmth and hope into the room. Officers led students in lively lessons on drug-free living, while kids covered classroom doors in bright, creative Red Ribbon Week posters. These photos captured the purest form of community policing education, trust, and mentorship. Parking Control Officers M. Adcock, A. Garcia, and Y. Velez were shown standing in solidarity during the National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims, a quiet but powerful reminder that NPD stands with families who carry unimaginable loss.

The Nogales Police Department is more than just a law enforcement agency. It is a tapestry of dedicated individuals committed to service, partnership, education, and compassion. Through the NPD Monthly Roll Call, our community will now have the opportunity to see that dedication up close every month. For those who want to learn more or connect with the department, the Nogales Police Department is located at 

777 N. Grand Ave., Nogales, AZ 85621, and can be reached at 520-285-5805.