
The Deming Headlight reported that the office recently hired new staff as other sheriff's offices and police departments face a shortage of officers and deputies.
The new deputies will join an office in southern New Mexico that patrols a county stretching nearly 3,000 square miles.
Luna County Sheriff Raymond Cobos said agencies face problems filling positions because they aren't getting enough qualified applicants.
Cobos said agencies also have to battle recent retirements and competition from out-of-state law enforcement agencies.