Clayton Police Department

Q. What do I do if an officer pulls me over for a traffic violation?.

A. Pull your vehicle over to a safe location, have your drivers license, registration and insurance prepared for the officer. The officer will explain to you why you were stopped, if you are cited you will be given the option of a penalty assessment or a court appearence.

Q. Does an officer have to have a search warrant to search my vehicle or home?.

A. An officer does not need to obtain a search warrant when he/she has obtained consent to search, has located an item in plain view or exigent circumstances exist (ie) evidence may be destoyed while the officer awaits a search warrant, there is also a search warrant exception rule pertaining to motor vehicles. Officers will in the best interest of justice obtain a search warrant when possible and warranted.

Q. What happens if I fail to appear in court?.

A. The presiding Judge can either issue an order to show cause as to why you failed to appear or may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. You may also lose your driving priveleages and pay additional court costs.

Q. Does the police department provide copys of reports and how much does it cost?.

A. We charge one dollar per page, we also provide fingerprinting services at a cost of one dollar per card.

Q. What is the police department doing about the Dwi and drug concerns?.

A. The Clayton police department participates in the year round operation Dwi saturation patrol activitys funded by the state of New Mexico, additional officers are scheduled and make every effort to detect and deter drunk driving. The narcotic issue is being Investigated on a daily basis, officers follow up on leads and have made a very high number of arrests in the past several years.

Q. What if I have a complaint or would like to commend an employee?.

A. We ask that you contact the police department and ask to speak to a supervisor. Please be accurate as possible with your information and provide as much information as possible. Per state law and Town ordinance, it is illegal to file a false report.

Q. The Town of Clayton seems to be a small town speed trap, why are officers constantly stopping motorists?.

A. The Town of Clayton is not a speed trap nor does the administration allow for speed traps, our officers as part of their duties enforce traffic laws. Officers are given the discretion to either cite or warn a motorist. Traffic enforcement must be conducted in order to prevent accidents, fatalitys, detect vehicles that are unsafe to be driven or motorists that choose to ignore the law thereby endangering the general public.