MILAN - In the ever-changing world of technological advances and more efficient criminals, the Milan Police Department has chosen to evolve with several additions to the force.

Steve Marquez the department's only investigator stands by his cruiser. He served for more than two decades with the Cibola County Sheriff's Office before returning to law enforcement from retirement. BEACON / MARK TESHIMA

Milan Chief Jerry Stephens has the longest tenure of the department serving his twentieth year. The department head has worn top brass since 2004 when he took over from Alfonso Martinez.

“I think the inherent problem is because of all the change over the years,” said Chief Stevens. “It seems to be due to changes in laws and changes in court systems it's become a lot more intense, you have to go above and beyond what you used to.”

For his department going above the call of duty isn't an issue, especially with the latest personnel additions.

Steve Marquez came on board at the end of May as the department's only investigator. He served for more than two decades with the Cibola County Sheriff's Office before retiring.

“After taking a few months off, I decided it was time to get back to work,” said Marquis. “It never leaves your blood.”

Stevens knew the investigator would get right to business and Marquis did not disappoint. He has already solved a few cases and caught up on some loose ends around the village.

Having more time by staying off patrol, Marquez is able to get evidence he finds quickly to Santa Fe labs for testing and analysis.

That's bad news for bad guys who might have otherwise got off with lacking proof in court.

Reshawn Mckinney graduated from the Academy earlier this month. Chief said the rookie is ready to take the knowledge from training and apply it to protecting the village streets.

McKinney has some non-certified patrol time under his belt, common practice in the department as long as the chief has been there. While no one can predict a recruit making it through difficult training, the chief thinks it helps the applicants understand the job a lot better.

Sergeant Tomas Archuleta and Corporal Sylvia Knotts have a collective 30 years in law enforcement. They are the next in links in the chain of command and have proven consistent in decision making around the village.

The final member of the fully staffed department is Lee Eaton who was recently promoted out of dispatch to get some field experience before taking on challenges only the academy can offer.

The department was awarded funds for a 2009 Crown Victoria cruiser awaiting agency gadgets.

A fully geared bicycle patrol is at the disposal for the Milan officers. In recent years, the department got a drug bust on the bikes.

The bikes also offer a way for the citizens and children to meet the officers in a more personable manner, continuing a thought from long ago.

“It was ingrained in me by the former Police Chief Alfonso Martinez, 'we want to work with the people',” said Chief Stevens. “I like to tell people we were a community police department, before it was popular.”

The department continues the old tradition as friendly protectors but with a fully staffed personnel armed with tools of a new age, a safe village it will remain.