APD & Mayor Say Crime is Way Down Downtown

In front of one of their fancy, brand-new blue crime scene van RVs, Mayor Keller and APD officials announced their continuance of a strict enforcement approach to criminal activity in Downtown Albuquerque after they have seen success with their targeted resources in the area.

APD officials tell us that in the summer of 2024, concerns were high in the Downtown area after a series of shootings and an increase in juvenile crime. APD announced a focused effort and strict approach to policing in the area and have maintained those efforts. 

“We made a promise and now we’re seeing results” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This progress comes from staying focused and putting the right resources where they’re needed. APD and our City teams have been on it, and we’re going to keep at it to make Downtown safer for everyone.”

Since the beginning of the year, APD says they have arrested 26 juveniles in the downtown area and have recovered 10 firearms from different investigations. There has been a decrease in the following crime categories in a year to date comparison to 2024: 

• Shootings: Down 20%
• Robbery: Down 12.5%
• Sex Crimes: Down 61.5%
• Burglary: Down 2.9%
• Auto Theft: Down 29.8%
• Shoplifting: Down 20%

“The drop in downtown shootings is a direct result of the relentless work by our officers who are out there every day making a difference,” said Chief Harold Medina. “Their commitment, along with ongoing targeted operations, is making downtown safer and restoring confidence in the heart of our city.”

APD’s focused efforts have included additional support from specialty units such as Air Support, Horse Mounted Patrol, Auto Theft Unit, Traffic Unit and the Real Time Crime Center. Additionally, APD created a hybrid Proactive Response which is tasked with splitting their shift, half of their time is spent in the Southeast Area Command and the other half is spent in Downtown Albuquerque during peak times.

Key elements of the efforts also include the use of real-time technology from APD’s Real Time Crime Center. The use of license plate readers, cameras and real-time monitoring have aided in many arrests downtown. Regular patrols and high visibility along the entertainment corridor of Central Avenue and in parking lots and garages have had an impact on deterring crime. Officers assigned to Downtown continue to work with business owners and stakeholders to address crime concerns, including those that occur after hours. Day shift officers prioritize communication with property owners and help relay concerns to the later shifts.

City of Albuquerque’s Metro Redevelopment Agency also talked about the Community Connect program in downtown Albuquerque. The City offers business owners a chance to connect their business cameras to APD’s RTCC and offers grant money to make it possible. They have awarded $500,000 in grant money to 24 property owners downtown. MRA also installed over 60 new cameras downtown.

“Safety is the foundation for Downtown’s success,” said MRA Director Terry Brunner. “By equipping businesses with effective security tools and expanding APD’s Real Time Crime Center network, we’re making smart investments that strengthen safety, support law enforcement, and help Downtown grow.”

APD will continue enforcement to address concerns like shootings, unlawful uses of firearms, underage drinking, loitering, open container drinking in nearby parking lots and garages, drag racing, and disorderly conduct.