CYFD data shows youth violence has declined in Santa Fe, region
In spite of apparent increases in some indicators of youth violence statewide, the First Judicial District — which includes Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos counties — has seen continued decreases in many youth crimes, according to data provided by the state Children, Youth and Families Department.
Charges against youth dipped in 2020 during the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, and data from the region shows they have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. Weapons violations have showed an uptick in recent years since the initial drop.
Charges of assault and battery were about four times higher in the early 2000s throughout the district than they have been for several years. Charges of sex crimes, property crimes and probation violations against youth have also dropped.
The district saw 680 offenses total against youth in 2024, with 29% of those charges considered "violent" by the child welfare department.
While criminal charges against youth have been dropping districtwide, statistics from Santa Fe police in recent years show increasing reports of most types of violent crimes and property crimes.
Over the last two years, Santa Fe police have found at least nine Santa Fe Public Schools students in possession of weapons on campus, four of them firearms. Six of those incidents led to felony charges against the students.
Despite the statistical drop, the issue of youth violence has risen in prominence in Santa Fe in recent years amid many high-profile cases. The city and county governments have sought and distributed grant funding to local nonprofits for programs aiming to prevent violence and divert children from the criminal legal system.
City Youth and Family Services Department staff presented details about ongoing programs to a City Council committee last week. The department has distributed almost $1 million in federal funding to local groups in recent years, including YouthWorks, New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, Esperanza Shelter and a restorative justice program at Santa Fe Public Schools.
Santa Fe police Chief Paul Joye told the committee he and his officers were encountering fewer youth on their calls in the city.
Department Director Julie Sanchez told the committee she believes success for the city's violence interruption programs would be "seeing a reduction in youth crime, specifically gun violence and interpersonal violence."
Sanchez said she expects to see results from the city's efforts in five to seven years.
"Change is incremental," she said. "We're talking about not only addressing issues but creating cultural shifts and social shifts."
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