The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce has honored LCPD Sgt. Robert “Bob” McCord with its 2021 Teamwork Award for his work with the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program.
McCord initiated the Las Cruces Police Department’s LEAD program that strives for treatment instead of incarceration. The LEAD program is a community-based diversion program that encourages non-violent first-time offenders to voluntarily seek remediation instead of detention and prosecution.
Law enforcement officers use their discretionary authority to recommend candidates for the LEAD program. Successful candidates, those who complete the program and refrain from committing additional criminal offenses, can have their charges dropped and their record expunged.
McCord was nominated for the Chamber’s award by Jamie Michael, director of the Dona Ana County Health and Human Services Department.
“Sgt. Bob McCord is most deserving of this award,” said Las Cruces Police Department Chief Miguel Dominguez. “Bob does an amazing job with our LEAD and CIT programs, and we’re grateful the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce has recognized his efforts.”
McCord oversees LCPD’s LEAD program and the department’s Crisis Intervention Team that responds to critical incidents and calls pertaining to individuals experiencing severe emotional stress or mental illness. From 2017 through 2019, Las Cruces police officers responded to an average of 899 CIT calls per year. In 2021, LCPD officers are projected to respond to approximately 2,000 CIT calls for service.
McCord is a 15-year veteran of the Las Cruces Police Department.