The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) unveiled its intention to revamp the Open Space Unit on Aug. 15, with conservation officers set to patrol open space areas using foot, vehicle and mountain bikes. This initiative aims to address criminal activity, effect arrests as needed and contribute to the safeguarding of open spaces in the region, according to a press release.

In a strategic move, the department has entered into a partnership with the Albuquerque Police Officer’s Association to establish 12 dedicated Open Space Conservation officer roles, facilitating direct hiring for these positions. This collaboration's intent is to enable the APD to recruit officers with specialized expertise in patrolling open spaces, as opposed to conventional urban environments, according to the release.

“Before January, our open space officers were street cops, trained to patrol city streets and urban areas,” said Police Chief Harold Medina. “These new Open Space conservation officers will have specialized training, education and knowledge to focus on lawful use and preservation of our open spaces.”

The previous schedule of patrolling open spaces was Sundays through Thursdays with three to four officers. Since reallocating officer resources in January, APD has utilized collateral duty officers for open space operations. With the introduction of Open Space Conservation officers, coverage will almost double, as teams of six officers and two to three police service aides will now patrol seven days a week. Currently, APD is actively seeking applications for the position of Open Space Conservation Officer, offering a $15,000 hiring bonus for lateral candidates.

“Open spaces in Albuquerque are important resources to everyone who lives and visits our town, and we know that we need to keep them safe for those who use them and the wildlife that calls them home,” said Mayor Tim Keller, according to the press release. “APD knows that the way things have always been done is not always the best way to continue doing things, and they are making changes to improve safety throughout our city.”