Ben Melendrez
Law Enforcement Lead
Ben Melendrez is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and behavioral health integration. As a retired Police Detective with the Albuquerque Police Department, Ben has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between law enforcement and behavioral health, ensuring that officers and first responders are equipped with the skills to navigate high-stakes encounters with empathy and effectiveness. Ben has been a guest speaker at several national and international conferences on the topics of de-escalation and the intersection of law-enforcement and mental health.
Master Police Instructor, Ben has delivered over 7,500 hours of training to law enforcement officers and civilian professionals, shaping best practices in crisis response, mental health awareness, and de-escalation strategies. His expertise extends beyond policing—he serves as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Central New Mexico Community College, where he educates future public safety professionals on the complexities of crisis response and law enforcement.
At SonderWorx, Ben brings his deep knowledge and real-world experience to immersive training programs designed to enhance emotional intelligence, resilience, and de-escalation techniques in high-pressure environments. His commitment to fostering trauma-informed, neuroscience-backed approaches aligns seamlessly with SonderWorx’s mission to equip responders with the tools they need to create safer, more compassionate interactions.
Certifications & Expertise
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Master Police Instructor – State of New Mexico
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Mental Health First Aid Instructor – National Council for Mental Wellbeing
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New Mexico Peace Officer Certification
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Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Strategies
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Behavioral Health Integration in Law Enforcement
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Curriculum Development & Public Safety Training
Ben’s extensive background in crisis intervention and community safety makes him a powerful educator and advocate for transforming the way responders approach conflict, communication, and care.