For those in the state of New Mexico, criminal records are one of the most vital tools available when verifying the trustworthiness of another person. These records are available to some degree through the state's various agencies. A criminal record is documentation of a person's criminal actions. This includes any instance in which an individual is arrested for a crime, charged with one and/or convicted of a crime. This does include minor infractions, misdemeanor charges and felonies, as well as the circumstances involved in the case and the outcome of those convictions. This detailed record can help individuals to know if they should work with another person.

In New Mexico, criminal records are available through authorized agencies. It is not possible for just anyone to request the copy of a criminal record of another person. However, it is possible to obtain a copy of a record of another person if that person provides consent. This is commonplace within the state when hiring an employee. However, gathering information about anyone is not as easy to do. Individuals can petition the courts at a local or county level for access to other public records.

For those that wish to access their own criminal records, the first step is to know which agencies in New Mexico manage this information. All records are kept at the New Mexico Central Repository for Criminal History. This is a databank of information and it is searchable through computerized systems. It is maintained through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. The New Mexico Information Act does make it possible for the public to gather information about his or her own record, but not necessarily that of others.

In order to gather any New Mexico criminal record, individuals will need to contact the proper agency. It is possible to do a scan of information through a computerized system using the individual's name, date of birth, Social Security number and other information. This is done through the Department of Public Safety. It is possible to do this at the local level, usually through local law enforcement agencies. On the other hand, individuals can request this information through the following address.

New Mexico Department of Public Safety

491 Cerrillos Road

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507

Individual can gather this information along with any required waivers for third party searches and contact the agency. It is necessary to pay a $15 fee for each of the searches being conducted. Call 505 827-9000 for additional information regarding the ability to obtain these records or to make a formal request over the phone.

In New Mexico, criminal records do contain criminal data, but not personal financial information is included. Driver's records are also not included. Any criminal acts convicted at the federal level through federal agencies are not a part of the state criminal records agency. These records are not available to the public. Juvenile records for those under the age of 18 are also not available for searches in this form. Inaccuracies on reports should be filed with the reporting jurisdiction.

• New Mexico Crime Reports & Statistics

• New Mexico Sex Offender Registry Search