Vazquez Appointed to American Psychological Association Committee

Dr. Luis Vazquez, the Las Cruces Police Department’s wellness coordinator, has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the Committee of Socioeconomic Status for the American Psychological Association.

The committee intends to identify and act as a catalyst in the association’s efforts to address issues of socioeconomic status and promote appropriate attention to SES in psychological research and practice.

The committee will collect information and documentation concerning SES; promote scientific understanding of the roles of poverty and SES in health, education and human welfare; develop approaches to the application of psychology that take into account the effects of SES on psychological development and well-being; and advocate for social policy that will alleviate or reduce the disparities between SES groups.

The goal is to ensure that issues of socioeconomic status receive the full attention of the American Psychological Association.

Vazquez’s term began Jan. 1, 2025, and expires on Dec. 31, 2027.

As wellness coordinator for LCPD, Vazquez helps officers achieve a balance on fitness, nutrition, physical health and mental/emotional health. He also performs individual and group evaluations.

During his tenure with LCPD, Vazquez has helped develop the department’s Six Pillars of Wellness: mental, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and financial. The basis behind the Six Pillars of Wellness is the stronger an employee is with the six pillars, the more resilient the employee becomes at handling challenging events.

Vazquez began his work with LCPD in July 2024.