What are Otero County Public Records?
According to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), Otero County public records consist of any type of information owned, generated, used, retained, or maintained by government bodies to conduct official duties. Otero County public records may be in form of letters, papers, sound recordings, graphs, maps, tapes, books, and any material capable of storing data or information. These documents are readily available to requesters upon request, in compliance with the New Mexico Inspection of Public Record Act. However, some documents are considered confidential and may be exempt from public search if:
- It is considered confidential and protected by state law, federal law, or court order
- It discloses the medical tests or history of an individual
- It reveals information obtained due to attorney-client privilege.
- It contains information that may threaten the public safety or security of those involved
- It discloses details of an ongoing or pending law enforcement investigation
- It involves juvenile proceedings
- It discloses personal information that may be deemed as an unnecessary invasion of privacy
- It involves information about government personnel or student cumulative files
- It discloses a letter of reference relating to employment or permits
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- 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.
Otero County Crime Statistics
The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program collates and publishes country-wide annual reports on all criminal activities. Although, local authorities are responsible for compiling and sharing reports of criminal activities within their jurisdiction. According to the 2019 crimes report, Otero County recorded 149 violent crimes, 272 property crimes, and zero arson. The violent crimes include zero murder and nonnegligent manslaughter cases, 13 rape cases, two robbery cases, and 134 aggravated assault cases. On the other hand, property crimes consist of 108 burglary cases, 138 larceny-theft cases, and 26 motor vehicle theft cases.
In comparison, the 2018 crimes report for Otero County documented 158 violent crimes and 264 property crimes. There was no recorded case of arson. A breakdown of the violent crimes includes zero murder and nonnegligent manslaughter cases, 13 rape cases, zero robbery cases, and 145 aggravated assault cases. Meanwhile, property crimes consist of 110 burglary cases, 128 larceny-theft cases, and 26 motor vehicle theft cases.
Are Otero County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Otero County criminal records are open to the public upon request. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety compiles and provides public access to criminal information history across the state. Interested persons who intend to obtain Otero County criminal records must submit a record request to the Department of Public Safety. Nevertheless, criminal records are only accessible by persons named on the record and other specific employees. Examples of such employees include child and elderly caregivers, security firms, and more. Requesters who intend to obtain criminal history information must submit a complete Authorization for Release of Information Form. The form is also available in Spanish.
The Department of Public Safety charges $15 for each application. In addition, requesters must notarize their applications before submission. Interested persons may choose to make payments through money orders and cashier's checks. Note, each criminal record request takes up to 7 - 15 days. Requesters can send their requests via mail to:
Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 1628
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628
ATTN: Records
Meanwhile, requesters can also perform a local search of criminal records at the Otero County Sheriff's Office:
Otero County Sheriff's Office
3208 N White Sands Blvd
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-2210
Fax: (575) 443-2936
How to Obtain Otero County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Otero County Sheriff's Office compiles and provides access to documents relating to law enforcement activities. Interested individuals who intend to inspect or obtain Otero County police reports and arrest records can access them in person. Examples of such documents include accident reports, arrest records, traffic incidents, and more. Requesters should contact the Sheriff's Office:
Otero County Sheriff's Office
3208 N White Sands Blvd
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-2210
Fax: (575) 443-2936
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Otero County
The Otero County Sheriff's Office maintains an online registry for sex offenders within its jurisdiction. Individuals interested in Otero County sex offender information can obtain them using the available search categories: In your area, name, city, non-compliant, internet name or email, and phone number. Examples of information available to requesters include the sex offender's first name, last name, address, booking photograph, physical description, and more. Requesters can use the "In Your Area" search to view sex offender information in specific locations such as school, work, or home. The Name search enables requesters to obtain sex offender information with the sex offender's last name and first name.
The City search option provides a broad result based on the city chosen. Through the Non-Compliant search, users can search the list of sex offenders who have violated their registration rules and regulations. Requesters can also obtain sex offender information using a phone number. However, search results are only guaranteed if the number matches another number in the database. The email or internet name search option is available for sex offenders whose real names are unknown.
As an alternative, interested persons who intend to obtain sex offender information in Otero County can use the New Mexico Sex Offender Registry. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) compiles and provides public to statewide records of registered sex offenders in the state.
How to Find Otero County Inmate Records
The Otero County Detention Center collates and maintains all inmate records within its purview. Individuals interested in obtaining this information must contact the Detention Center in person. Examples of information obtainable may include but are not limited to the inmate's full names and booking number.
Otero County Detention Center
1958 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-6420
Fax: (575) 443-2946
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Otero County Jail?
Interested individuals can visit an inmate in person at the Otero County Detention Center. However, the facility only allows individuals listed on the Inmate's Authorization List. In addition, persons incarcerated within the last six (6) months of visiting will not be permitted. Although, there is an exception for immediate family members. Family and friends can only visit an inmate in Otero County Detention Center on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The facility requires visitors to sign in before 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Each visit may last up to 15 minutes.
Visitors must provide valid photo identification when visiting an inmate. In a situation whereby the visitor is below 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany such person. They must also present valid photo identification. In addition, the facility prohibits the use of cell phones.
Otero County Detention Center
1958 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-6420
Fax: (575) 443-2946
Court Records
Otero County court records are open to the public upon request. Although, some court documents may be exempt from public view as established under the New Mexico Inspection Public Records Act. District Courts, Magistrate Courts, Probate Courts, and Municipal Courts are the four types of trial systems available in Otero County. Interested individuals can visit the courthouse locations below:
District Courts in Otero County
Otero County 12th Judicial District Court
Otero County Courthouse
1000 New York Avenue
Room 108
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-7310
Fax: (575) 434-8886
Magistrate Courts in Otero County
Otero County Magistrate Court
263 Robert H. Bradley Drive
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-9000
Fax: (575) 439-1365
Probate Courts in Otero County
Otero County Probate Court
Otero County Office Complex
1104 North White Sands Blvd
Suite C
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-4942
Fax: (575) 443-2922
Municipal Courts in Otero County
Alamogordo Municipal Court
1376 East 9th Street
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 439-4255
Fax: (575) 439-4212
Cloudcroft Municipal Court
201 Burro Avenue
P.O. Box 317
Cloudcroft, NM 88317
Phone: (575) 682-2646
Fax: (575) 682-2511
Tularosa Municipal Court
609 Street Francis Drive
Suite A
Tularosa, NM 88352
Phone: (575) 585-2901
Fax: (575) 585-2965
Are Otero County Court Records Public?
Yes, Otero County court records are public. In compliance with the New Mexico Inspection Public Records Act, anyone can access court records without restrictions. Nevertheless, some court documents are exempt from public view due to sensitive information. A record may also be sealed, expunged, or protected by law or court order. For example, the law permits the court to restrict juvenile court cases, adoption cases, and more.
How to Obtain Otero County Civil Court Case Records
Otero County civil court case records are available at the Twelfth Judicial District Court in Otero County. The District Court serves as the record custodian for all civil court cases in the county. In addition, the court permits requesters to obtain civil court documents in person or online. Interested persons can use the Case Lookup portal to access civil court documents online. The online portal enables users to access court cases using the name search, case number search, or DWI search options. For in-person requests, interested persons must visit the courthouse location:
Otero County District Court
1000 New York Avenue
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-7310
Fax: (575) 812-5090
How to Obtain Otero County Criminal Court Records
Interested individuals may obtain Otero County criminal court records from the Twelfth Judicial District Court in Otero County. The District Court is responsible for keeping and issuing copies of criminal court records in the jurisdiction. Requesters can access Otero County court records in person or online. In addition, requesters must provide relevant information to assist with the record search. The District Court maintains an online portal known as Case Lookup. Users can search the portal using name search, case number search, and DWI search. Requesters may visit the courthouse location to inspect or obtain the documents in person:
Otero County District Court
1000 New York Avenue
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-7310
Fax: (575) 812-5090
What are Otero County Vital Records?
Otero County vital records are documentation of important life events that occurred with the county. Examples of these documents may include marriage records, death records, birth records, and divorce records. Per the New Mexico Inspection Public Records Act, government bodies are responsible for compiling and issuing copies of Otero County vital records. Individuals interested in the vital records must contact the appropriate office in charge. Nevertheless, some vital records in Otero County are considered confidential. They are only available to eligible or authorized persons. Examples of such documents include birth and death records.
Where and How to Obtain Otero County Divorce Records
The Twelfth Judicial District Court in Otero County collates and provides public access to all family cases within its purview. Individuals interested in Otero County divorce records may obtain or inspect them in person or online. The District Court maintains an online portal that allows requesters access to court cases. The Case Lookup portal enables users to search the database using name search, case number search, or DWI search. On the other hand, requesters can visit the courthouse location to obtain or inspect the documents in person:
Otero County District Court
1000 New York Avenue
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-7310
Fax: (575) 812-5090
Where and How to Get Public Otero County Marriage Records
Requesters can get copies of Otero County marriage records from the Otero County Clerk's Office. The Clerk's Office serves as the county repository for all marriages recorded within the jurisdiction. Individuals interested in Otero County marriage records can obtain them in person. Such persons must complete and submit a marriage license copy request form. Requesters must provide the spouse (maiden name) name, marriage date, name of requester, telephone, and more.
Otero County Clerk's Office
1104 N White Sands Blvd
Suite C
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: (575) 437-4942
Fax: (575) 443-2922
Email: oteroclerk@co.otero.nm.us
Where and How to Find Otero County Birth Records
The New Mexico Department of Health compiles and issues copies of Otero County birth records to interested persons upon request. Requesters may obtain or inspect the birth documents by contacting the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics division. Nevertheless, birth records in Otero County are considered confidential. Typically, the documents are only accessible by eligible or authorized applicants within the first 100 years of the event. After the first 100 years, anyone can obtain or inspect Otero County birth records. Examples of eligible or authorized applicants include the registrant, parent, spouse, child, sibling, legal guardian, legal representative, and more. Note, applicants must provide valid photo identification such as U.S. passport, military ID, driver's license, and more.
The Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics allows requesters to obtain these documents in person, by mail, by phone, or online. Each certified copy of Otero County birth records costs $10. Requesters who intend to expedite their requests can order online or call (877) 284-0963 to use the phone option. However, there may be extra charges aside from the birth record fees. For mail requests, interested persons must submit a complete birth records request form or a written letter. The birth records request form is available in English or Spanish. On the other hand, the letter must include the following information: the birth name of the registrant, date of birth, city of birth, county of birth (if available), mother's full name, father's full name, requester's relationship with the registrant, purpose of the request, requester's name, requester's signature, and requester's mailing address. All mail requests should be sent with correct fees to:
New Mexico Vital Records
P.O. Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
As an alternative, requesters can visit any of the following vital offices for a walk-in request:
Santa Fe
Bureau of Vital Records & Health Statistics
2554 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Phone: (505) 827-0121
Albuquerque
Midtown Public Health Office
Birth Certificate Requests
2400 Wellesley Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
Phone: (505) 841-4100
Socorro
Socorro County Public Health Office
Birth Certificate Requests
214 Neel Avenue NW
Socorro, NM 87801
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Only on Tuesday.
Phone: (575) 835-0971 (to schedule a visit)
Gallup
McKinley County Public Health Office
Birth Certificate Requests
1919 College Drive
Gallup, NM 87301
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday and Thursday. By appointment only.
Phone: (505) 722-4391
Where and How to Find Otero County Death Records
Individuals interested in Otero County death records may inspect or obtain them at the New Mexico Department of Health. The Department's Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics is responsible for compiling and providing copies of all deaths recorded within its jurisdiction. Requesters may choose to submit a record request in person, by mail, by phone, or online. Nevertheless, death records in Otero County are considered confidential for a period. Only eligible or authorized applicants can access the documents for the first 50 years. After 50 years of the event, anyone can obtain or inspect the documents. In compliance with state laws, authorized or eligible applicants include the decedent's spouse, parent, legal guardian, child, grandparent, grandchild, legal representative, law enforcement agency, and more.
The Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics charges $5 for each certified copy of Otero County death records. Requesters may order Otero County death records through the online portal provided on the website. In addition, interested persons can call (877) 284-0963 to use the phone option. Note, requesters who intend to use the online or phone option to expedite their orders may incur additional fees for the service. Typically, it may take three to five business days to process an order.
Requesters who intend to use the mail request option must complete and submit a death records request form. The form is also available in Spanish. As an alternative, the vital records office allows interested persons to write a letter in place of filling the form. Some of the required information for the letter include the decedent's name, date of death, city of death, county of death, social security number (if available), the purpose of the request, requester's name and signature, requester's mailing address, and more. Mail requests for Otero County death records should be addressed to:
New Mexico Vital Records
P.O. Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
Meanwhile, individuals interested in walk-in requests can visit the vital office location during office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Santa Fe
Bureau of Vital Records & Health Statistics
2554 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 827-0121
