NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – During a press conference on Friday, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety made a plea to lawmakers to strengthen the criminal justice system. Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie said more needs to be done on the state level to keep violent repeat offenders behind bars. New Mexico Department of Justice proposes legislation on hazing and cyberbullying He said around 60 law enforcement officers are killed annually across the country. He urged New Mexico state lawmakers to find meaningful solutions this next legislative session to stop the revolving door in the criminal justice system. "I can't understand why we need to, again, rely on the U.S. Attorney's Office in order to have firm strong legislation so that criminals in New Mexico can stay behind bars. I think every community is fed up with it and they'd like to see more," said Bowie. Bowie did note that he is not criticizing any one area of the criminal justice system. The legislative session starts Tuesday.