Albuquerque Police Department

Albuquerque Police Department
source
Name	Albuquerque Police Department
Formed	1885
Jurisdiction	Albuquerque, New Mexico
Country	United States
Headquarters	400 Roma Ave NW, Albuquerque
Chief	Harold Medina
Sworntype	Officer
Sworn	950 (approx.)
Civilian	100 (approx.)
Website	https://www.cabq.gov/police

Albuquerque Police Department. The Albuquerque Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city of Albuquerque, the largest city in the state of New Mexico. Established in the late 19th century, it operates under the authority of the Mayor of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque City Council. The department is responsible for a full spectrum of police services, including patrol, criminal investigation, and community engagement, across its numerous area commands.

History

The department was founded in 1885, just a few years after the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway arrived, spurring the growth of the New Town area alongside the original Old Town plaza. Its early history was shaped by the frontier character of the New Mexico Territory, with officers confronting typical Western issues like cattle rustling and disputes in the Rio Grande valley. A significant early figure was Pinky Gonzales, one of the first known Hispanic officers hired in the early 20th century. The agency modernized throughout the 1900s, expanding its jurisdiction and capabilities as the city grew rapidly following World War II and the establishment of Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories.

Organization and structure

The department is headed by the Chief of Police, currently Harold Medina, who reports to the Mayor of Albuquerque and the city's chief administrative officer. Its operational structure is divided into six geographical Area Commands—Foothills, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Valley, and Northwest—each led by a commander. Specialized divisions include the Criminal Investigations Division, the Special Investigations Division which handles narcotics and gangs, the Air Support Unit, and the Metropolitan Forensic Science Center. The department also maintains a partnership with the University of New Mexico through its campus policing functions.

Operations and services

Core patrol operations are conducted from the area command stations, utilizing marked Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles and BMW motorcycles. The department's Real Time Crime Center leverages technology for surveillance and data analysis to support field operations. Specialized units include the SWAT team, the Bomb Squad, the Horse Mounted Unit, and the Crime Stoppers program. Community services involve the Police Athletic League, neighborhood watch programs, and regular meetings facilitated by the Community Policing Councils established under the Court-Approved Settlement Agreement with the United States Department of Justice.

Controversies and reforms

The department has faced significant scrutiny, most notably leading to a 2014 investigation by the United States Department of Justice which found a pattern of excessive force, particularly in dealings with individuals with mental illness. This resulted in a federally monitored Court-Approved Settlement Agreement overseen by an independent monitor. High-profile incidents, such as the shooting of James Boyd in 2014, drew national attention and protests. Ongoing reform efforts are centered on implementing recommendations from the DOJ, enhancing de-escalation training, and expanding the Mobile Crisis Team in partnership with the Albuquerque Community Safety department.

Leadership and personnel

The current chief, Harold Medina, was appointed in 2021 following the tenure of interim Chief Harold Medina and former Chief Michael Geier. The department employs approximately 950 sworn officers and 100 civilian staff. Recruitment and retention have been persistent challenges, influenced by the reform process and national policing debates. The department's union is the Albuquerque Police Officers' Association, which engages in contract negotiations with the city. Notable past commanders include Ray Schultz, who served as chief during the initial DOJ investigation.

Facilities and equipment

Primary headquarters are located at the Albuquerque Police Department Headquarters building at 400 Roma Avenue NW in downtown Albuquerque. Other major facilities include the Police Academy on 5412 2nd Street NW, the Metropolitan Forensic Science Center, and the various area command stations. The fleet consists of over 800 vehicles, including patrol units, SWAT armored vehicles, and helicopters operated by the Air Support Unit. Officers are typically equipped with Glock pistols, Taser conducted electrical weapons, and body-worn cameras from Axon.

Category:Albuquerque Police Department Category:Law enforcement agencies of New Mexico Category:1885 establishments in New Mexico Territory