For the purpose of providing a New Mexico state police officer subject to discipline as contemplated by Section 29-2-11 C NMSA 1978 with a timely hearing, the commission shall appoint an independent hearing officer who is an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of New Mexico to preside over the hearing pursuant to Section 29-2-11 C and these rules. The hearing officer's powers shall include administering oaths or affirmations to witnesses called to testify, taking testimony, examining witnesses, admitting or excluding evidence.
N.M. Admin. Code § 10.5.500.9