Welcome

Hello, I am Darrell "Keith" Elder and candidate for Sandoval County Sheriff. 

I started my public service career over 35 years ago as a volunteer firefighter. I received an appointment to the New Mexico State Police academy, and after serving honorably as a State Police Officer for 22 years I retired as a Sergeant in Internal Affairs. I continued my law enforcement career with the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. I began my service as a deputy, then a detective, and was promoted to lieutenant. As a lieutenant, I commanded the patrol division, court services division and the criminal investigations division. Prior to accepting my current position, I served as the Administrative Lieutenant and managed the recruiting, training, community relations, school resource officers, animal control officers, professional standards, and public information operations. 

I retired as the Advanced Training Bureau Chief at the NMDPS/ Law Enforcement Academy. While at the Law Enforcement Academy, I was responsible for providing training opportunities and information to law enforcement agencies, officers, instructors, and telecommunicators throughout New Mexico. I reviewed and awarded course accreditation for instructional materials and conferences. Other functions I performed was reviewing and awarding advanced level certification for law enforcement officers, reviewing and awarding instructor certifications to sworn and non-sworn law enforcement professionals. I also provided instruction for train the trainer courses and continuing education to all levels of law enforcement officers. 

Currently, I am a Master Trainer for Sentinel Firearms LC.  Sentinel Firearms Training provides law enforcement training for in-service , firearms and firearms instructor courses .

I have attained a Command level certification from the NM Law Enforcement Academy for educational achievement and operational service. 

I use my instructor certifications for the professional development of law enforcement officers throughout New Mexico. I am a Master Firearms Instructor (Handgun,Rifle, and Shotgun), Instructor Development Master, General Police Instructor, Use of Force Instructor, and Traffic Radar Instructor. I have provided training to law enforcement officers using  decisional shooting simulators.

When I was commissioned as a law enforcement officer, I placed my left hand on the Holy Bible, raised my right hand and I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitutions of the United States of America and the State of New Mexico. Further, I swore to faithfully and impartially enforce the laws of the State of New Mexico. I still hold this obligation in reverence. 

As a Patriot, I stand and salute the flag of the United States of America, and support those who have faithfully defended our great nation past and present. 

I  have assisted the Sandoval County Fair Board in obtaining the annual Fair and Rodeo Parade permit. I have implemented a Shot Clinic program to promote low cost domestic animal rabies vaccinations in various communities within Sandoval county.  

As you can see, I am uniquely qualified as an administrator, public service executive and Sheriff. 

Thank you for your time and I ask for your vote.