N.M. Stat. § 9-19-5
Secretary; appointment.
A. The administrative head of the department is the "secretary of public safety" who
shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate and who shall serve
in the executive cabinet.
B. An appointed secretary shall serve and have all of the duties, responsibilities and
authority of that office during the period of time prior to final action by the senate
confirming or rejecting his appointment.