New Mexico Statutes Chapter 8. Elected Officials § 8-5-5. Assistant attorneys general; other employees; appointment

A. The attorney general may appoint a deputy attorney general and as many other assistant attorneys general together with stenographic, clerical and other necessary employees on a full- or part-time basis, at salaries to be fixed by him within budget allowances and appropriation limits, as the business of the department shall require and who shall hold office at the pleasure of the attorney general. The deputy attorney general and the assistant attorneys general shall, subject to the direction of the attorney general, have the same power and authority as the attorney general.

B. Within legislative appropriations, the attorney general may appoint full-time salaried members of his staff as peace officers for the full-time investigation of violations of, and, and the full-time enforcement of, the criminal laws of the state. These employees shall comply with the certification provisions of Section 29-7-8 NMSA 1978.