N.M. Stat. § 27-7-25.1
Emergency protective placement by a law enforcement
officer without a court order.
A. When, from personal observation of a law enforcement officer, it appears
probable that an incapacitated adult will suffer immediate and irreparable physical injury
or death if not immediately placed in a facility, that the adult is unable to give consent
and that it is not possible due to the emergency nature of the circumstances to follow
the procedures of Section 27-7-25 NMSA 1978, the law enforcement officer making that
observation may transport the adult to a facility. No court order is required to authorize
the law enforcement officer to act upon the officer's observation pursuant to this section.
B. A law enforcement officer who transports an incapacitated adult to a facility
pursuant to the provisions of this section shall immediately notify the department of the
placement.
C. The department shall file a petition pursuant to Subsection A of Section 27-7-25
NMSA 1978 within two working days after the placement of the adult by the law
enforcement officer has occurred unless the department determines that the criteria for
emergency removal and placement have not been met or that there is no further need
for involuntary protective services or protective placement.
D. Upon receipt of notice from a law enforcement officer that an adult has been
placed in a facility pursuant to the authority of this section, the department shall give
notice pursuant to Subsection G of Section 27-7-25 NMSA 1978 within two working
days after the placement of the adult has taken place.
E. The court shall hold a hearing on the petition filed by the department as a result
of the law enforcement officer's emergency placement within ten days of the filing of the
petition, pursuant to the provisions of Section 27-7-27 NMSA 1978, to determine
whether the conditions creating the need for the emergency placement have been
removed and whether the adult should be released from the protective placement.