The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) disclosed on Aug. 14 that Chief Harold Medina had issued a letter to Walgreens, offering recommendations to enhance crime reduction at Albuquerque stores. The letter encompasses suggestions like altering the arrangement of liquor departments in Walgreens outlets to enable patrons to place orders, subsequently fulfilled by employees, aiming to improve security, according to a press release.
In a bid to restrict alcohol access, Medina further proposed that Walgreens employ a Level 3 security guard within their stores, alongside a call for prompt reporting of alcohol theft incidents to APD. The matter of alcohol theft gained significant attention after a group of teenagers pilfered multiple liquor bottles from a West Side Walgreens while utilizing a stolen vehicle. Tragically, subsequent events unfolded when the owner of the stolen vehicle confronted the teens, leading to a fatal shooting incident by one of the teenagers.
“Implementing these suggestions and strategies will be a win for our community,” Medina said in his letter. “Strong anti-shoplifting measures will make it harder for shoplifters to steal, while collaboratively building evidence-based prosecutions will send the clear message that retail theft is a serious crime worthy of the imposition of serious consequences.”
Medina assumed the role of deputy chief at the Albuquerque Police Department in December 2017, where he currently supervises the Field Services Bureau. He has initiated the integration of practices such as community engagement, collaboration with business alliances and outreach to youth and the elderly within the department's framework. Medina assumed the role of interim chief of police in September 2020, subsequently being officially appointed as permanent chief by Mayor Tim Keller in March 2021, a confirmation supported by an 8-0 vote from the Albuquerque City Council, according to a press release.