What are Rio Rancho Public Records?
The New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act defines Rio Rancho public records as records containing information related to public business. According to the act, public records are documents, maps, tapes, books, papers, recordings, and other materials containing related information, regardless of characteristics or physical form. Most records created or maintained by Rio Rancho government entities are open to public disclosure. However, the Public Records Act provides some exemptions, including the following:
- Medical records containing physical or mental examinations data, including treatment information
- Letters of reference required for licensing, permits, or employment
- Matters of opinion, including memoranda or letters, contained in personnel files or students’ cumulative files
- Law enforcement records containing investigative methods, confidential sources, related information, and details of accused individuals not yet charged
- Public hospital records, including trade secrets, public hospitals’ business plans deliberated in a closed meeting, and related records protected by the attorney-client privilege
- Records under the Confidential Materials Act, such as education or historical records if the seller or donor requests confidentiality for a specific period
- The state government’s tactical procedures, risk assessments, and response plans to terrorist threats
- All protected personal identifier information contained in public records. Custodian agencies may make such records available after redacting confidential portions
- All records protected by law
In addition to government agencies, public city records may be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may either opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Rio Rancho Crime Statistics
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) publishes reports on all crime activity in the state. According to figures published in 2019, the Rio Rancho Police Department reported a total of 1,994 crimes. These include 3 criminal homicides, 32 forcible rape cases, 20 robberies, 465 assault incidents, and 261 burglary offenses. Also reported were 1,084 larceny-theft cases and 129 motor vehicle thefts. The DPS’ 2018 report revealed a total of 2,123 offenses, representing a 6% drop in the city’s crime activity.
Are Rio Rancho City Criminal Records Public?
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides criminal background history information for personal requests. Under the law, individuals can inspect and obtain arrest record information through personal counsels, authorized agents, or in person. Persons requesting on someone else’s behalf must submit an English or Spanish Authorization for Release of Information form. Each form should be notarized and submitted along with a $15 check or money order made out to the Department of Public Safety.
The Rio Rancho Police Department also responds to requests for personal criminal history information at $10 per person searched. Fingerprinting services may be necessary, and may cost extra. Interested persons should submit written requests to the police department containing the following information:
- The name, address, date of birth, and social security number of the person named on the record
- The requesting individual or agency’s name, address, phone number, and other contact information
- Date and time of request
Requests for Rio Rancho City criminal records should be submitted to:
Rio Rancho Police Department
Records Division
500 Quantum Road NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Phone: (505) 891-5904
Email: rrpdrecords@rrnm.gov
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Thursdays
How to Obtain Rio Rancho Police Reports and Arrest Records
Rio Rancho City arrest records and police reports are obtainable from the police department. Anyone interested in inspecting these records or obtaining copies may complete the police department’s request for records form with the following information:
- Record type (offense or incident)
- Victim or offender’s name
- Date and time of occurrence
- Case number (if available)
- Date and time of request
- Name of the requestor or requesting agency
- Requestor’s phone number, address, and other contact information
Requestors should note that the police department may require identification from the requestor before providing access to Rio Rancho arrest records. Furthermore, records may not contain complete information as the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act allows the police department to redact some details. Each record costs 25 cents per page.
Requestors will receive the desired record within 15 calendar days of the request, or a written response explaining the record's unavailability within three business days. The Rio Rancho Police Department also has 15 calendar days to provide a written statement of denial if the desired record is not open to public disclosure.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Rio Rancho City
Rio Rancho City sex offender records are obtainable from the DPS’ sex offender registry. Record seekers may search for offenders by area, name, city, phone number, internet name, or email. Parties may enter "Rio Rancho" while conducting a name search or use the city search to list all sex offenders registered in the city. The DPS' online database includes offenders' names, aliases, registration and verification dates, registration numbers, and photographs. Each offender's physical description, address, and offense details are also available. In addition, the registry allows members of the public to register and receive email notifications whenever there's a change in the offender's status.
How to Find Rio Rancho City Inmate Records
The Sandoval County Detention Center publishes daily jail rosters containing records of all incarcerated persons in the county. Persons seeking Rio Rancho City inmate records may search through the jail roster published online. The roster displays each inmate’s full name, inmate number, race, gender, classification, and current location in the detention center. Other details include the inmate’s case number, charge date and time, charge code, and charge description.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Rio Rancho City Jail?
All interested persons must register and schedule visits to the Sandoval County Detention Center. Registration and scheduling is also possible between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm on Mondays through Fridays at the detention center’s kiosk, located at the main entrance front desk. All visits, including remote and onsite options, are via non-contact video systems. Prospective visitors must schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance.
Remote visits are available in 30-minute sessions at $9.99 per session. Generally, the detention center does not limit the number of people that may remotely visit the inmate, or the number of visits an inmate may receive. However, the facility warden or designee may state otherwise.
Onsite visits are also available in 30-minute sessions. Here, each inmate cannot receive more than two persons per visit, including one adult who is at least 18 years old, and one minor younger than 18. In addition, each detainee is limited to two visits per week. Onsite video visits are free of charge. The Sandoval County Detention Center does not allow former inmates to schedule visits until after 60 days since their release from custody.
What are Rio Rancho Vital Records?
Rio Rancho City vital records contain details of life events that happen in the city. These records detail information on city births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Rio Rancho records are available at specific state and county agencies, depending on the desired record. However, members of the general public should note that not all vital records are public records.
Where and How to Obtain Rio Rancho City Divorce Records
Rio Rancho City divorce records are available at the Sandoval County District Court. Interested persons may obtain Rio Rancho City divorce decrees by contacting the district court by mail or in person. Mail requestors may obtain records by submitting completed copies of the court’s copy request form. The form requires a document name, case number, case date range, party names, hearing dates, and other known information about the case. Requestors should also include their names and personal contact details. Each record costs 35 cents per page and $1.50 per certified document. The district court also conducts searches at $2.50 per name. All applicants should submit requests as follows:
Mail Requests
Sandoval County District Court
P.O. Box 600
Bernalillo, NM 87004
In-Person Requests
1500 Idalia Road
Building A
Bernalillo, NM 87004
Alternatively, interested persons may view Rio Rancho court records online via the New Mexico Courts Case Lookup. Parties may conduct a name or case number search. The name search also allows the searcher to provide a date or year of birth, court type, court location, a filing date, and a hearing date. Users should note that the online case lookup may not contain information on divorces filed before June 1997. Such records may only be available by contacting the Sandoval County District Court.
Where and How to Get Public Rio Rancho Marriage Records
The Sandoval County Clerk’s Office maintains the county’s central repository for marriage records. Persons seeking Rio Rancho City marriage records may obtain them by submitting written requests or visiting the Clerk’s Office. All parties must provide information on the record, including the names of married parties, location of marriage, and date of marriage. Individuals requesting physical copies of Rio Rancho City marriage certificates may be charged request fees. All persons may contact the Clerk’s Office using the following information:
Sandoval County Clerk’s Office
1500 Idalia Road
Building D
Bernalillo, NM 87004
Phone: (505) 867-7572
Fax: (505) 771-8610
Email: clerk@sandovalcountynm.gov
Where and How to Find Rio Rancho Birth Records
The New Mexico Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics maintains statewide records of births. Applicants interested in Rio Rancho City birth records may submit requests to the bureau. However, birth records are not open to the general public. Under New Mexico law, access to Rio Rancho birth records is restricted to immediate family members and other specific requestors, including:
- The person named on the record
- The person's mother, sibling, child, grandchild, maternal grandparent, or current spouse
- Father or paternal grandparent only if the father is listed on the birth record
- Non-immediate family members with tangible proof of legal interest in the birth record.
All eligible persons should complete English or Spanish copies of the birth record application form. The form requires the registrant's full name at birth, date of birth, and mother's full maiden name. Although optional, interested persons may also provide the place of birth, father's name, and gender. Each requestor must state the request purpose on the form.
Rio Rancho City birth certificates cost $10 per copy, payable by checks or money orders made out to “New Mexico Vital Records”. The charge includes a search fee and one certified copy if provided details match maintained records. Applicants should note that the request fee is nonrefundable. The average application time for Rio Rancho birth certificates is 6 to 12 weeks. However, processing time may change depending on the volume of applications the bureau receives. All interested applicants should mail requests, payment, and acceptable identification documents to the:
New Mexico Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
P.O. Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
Where and How to Find Rio Rancho City Death Records
Statewide records of deaths are obtainable from the New Mexico Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. All persons eligible to obtain Rio Rancho City death records may send official requests to the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. State law restricts eligibility to the following requestors:
- The decedent’s mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter
- The decedent’s current spouse, child, grandchild, or grandparent
- Anyone that can prove a legal interest in the desired death record
Each eligible party must submit a completed copy of the death record application form in English or Spanish. Required information includes the decedent's full name at death and date of death. Requestors may also provide the decedent's gender, social security number, date of birth, place of death, and the spouse's maiden name if married at the time of death. The applicant's name, mailing address, physical address, and phone number are also required. Each applicant must also specify a purpose for the request.
Rio Rancho City death certificates cost $5 per copy, payable by checks or money orders made out to “New Mexico Vital Records”. The fee covers a search for the desired record and one certified copy of the record, if available. Payments are nonrefundable. Each eligible requestor should enclose a completed application, payment, and an acceptable identification document to the bureau at the following address:
New Mexico Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
P.O. Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
