Our inaugural Q&A story on a New Mexico Department of Public Safety employee features Anna Gurule, Criminal Justice Information Services auditor.
DPS: Hi Anna. Tell me about your job at the Department of Public Safety and what makes you passionate about what you do?
Anna: I serve as the CJIS Auditor for our state, where I collaborate with criminal justice and law enforcement agencies statewide to ensure they meet both FBI and state compliance requirements. I’m passionate about this work because these standards aren’t just red tape, they are in place to ensure the safety of the men and women who interact with these systems every day. I truly enjoy meeting the dedicated people who serve our state.
DPS: What drew you to this role and how did you get started?
Anna: Throughout my career, I have gravitated towards compliance focused roles, ensuring that departments operate within the bounds of laws and regulations. When the opportunity arose at the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, I knew I wanted to help uphold the integrity of our state’s public safety standards.
DPS: What are you most proud of – accomplishments?
Anna: I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built across the state. I have had the privilege of meeting so many talented individuals who are just as passionate about their work as I am. Seeing agencies proactively work with DPS to reach the highest level of compliance is incredibly rewarding.
DPS: What about the department’s mission appeals to you?
Anna: The department’s commitment to support and customer engagement really resonates with me. I manage approximately 1,000 agencies throughout our great state, and I strive to be a reliable resource for them. Being able to provide clear answers and guidance to help those agencies succeed is the most fulfilling part of my mission.
DPS: How do you achieve balance between work and your personal life?
Anna: I maintain balance by recognizing that while the work is vital, I am most effective when I am well-rested. I try to remind myself that I can only accomplish so much in a single workday; the work will always be there tomorrow, so I make it a priority to fully disconnect and enjoy my time off.
DPS: Have you had any mentors in your career?
Anna: Yes, I have. Having a mentor is invaluable. They provide a perspective you can’t always see yourself; and offer guidance that helps you navigate the complexities of your career.
I have been fortunate to have two key mentors who have significantly shaped my professional outlook: Octavian Valencia (supervisor) and Sarah Lion, a colleague from my previous role. What inspired me most about their leadership was their constant encouragement to ‘think outside the box.’ In a field like compliance, it is easy to get stuck in the mindset of ‘this is how it’s always been done,’ but they taught me that innovation and improvement are not only possible but necessary. They instilled in me the belief that meaningful change doesn’t just happen from the top down. It starts with the people on the ground who are brave enough to ask ‘Why?’ and ‘How can we do this better?’ By asking those questions, we identify the gaps in our processes. They taught me that being the person who challenges the status quo isn’t about being difficult; it’s about being dedicated to progress. Their guidance helped me realize that to better serve our state and keep our agencies safe, we must be willing to evolve our methods and lead the way in creating more efficient, effective systems.
DPS: What advice would you give someone just starting their career?
Anna: Never be embarrassed to ask questions. In fact, keep asking them until the answer truly makes sense to you. Curiosity and clarity are the best tools you have when you’re starting out.
Story by New Mexico Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer John Heil. Photo by DPS Media Relations Unit – Payton Santillanes.