Police Chief Harold Medina | https://www.cabq.gov/police/our-department/office-of-the-police-chief
The city of Albuquerque recently announced that the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) conducted a department-wide operation along the Central Ave. corridor. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by APD to address crime hotspots and recurring issues in the city.
According to a press release, the operation involved not only APD but also the Albuquerque Community Safety and Solid Wastes departments. The goal was to provide resources to unsheltered individuals and clean up illegal encampments in the area.
During the operation, law enforcement officers in Albuquerque proactively patrolled the Central corridor and addressed incidents or reasons for enforcement action a total of 362 times. These incidents included drug use, trespassing, and other illegal activities occurring in the presence of officers.
The results of the operation were significant. The press release stated that there were 26 felony arrests, 31 felony warrants executed, 18 regular arrests, 10 warrant-related apprehensions, 19 criminal trespass cases, 933 traffic citations issued, 4 DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrests, the recovery of 1 stolen vehicle, and 16 referrals related to encampments.
Chief Harold Medina, who leads the Field Services Bureau of APD, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing crime. He stated, "Our officers are making arrests every single day and the department is focusing our resources on proactively addressing these issues, but we need the entire system to help us either keep dangerous criminals in jail or get folks the resources they need so they can get out of the cycle of crime."
Chief Medina has been involved in community-oriented policing principles and has initiated various programs within APD, such as Community Engagement, Business Coalition Partnerships, and Outreach to Youth and the Elderly.
To carry out the operation, APD coordinated efforts with field officers from five area commands, the traffic unit, the horse-mounted unit, and the tactical section of the Special Operations Division. Their proactive patrols covered the entire Central corridor within the city limits.
The city of Albuquerque is committed to addressing crime and ensuring the safety of its residents. The recent department-wide initiative along the Central Ave. corridor is just one example of their ongoing efforts to target crime hotspots and improve the overall security of the city.
