Key Updates from Albuquerque Police Department (APD)

• Staffing & Communication:
  APD currently has 896 officers. They’ve upgraded their radio system for seamless communication across city, county, and state law enforcement agencies.

• Technology Improvements:

  • Automated License Readers: Every patrol car now has a reader that detects stolen vehicles using a “Hot List.” These solar-powered readers—developed with Sandia National Labs using “Genetech Cloud Runners” algorithms—are installed on freeway light poles.

  • Drones: The city purchased 8 drones for incident response. For privacy reasons, cameras are fixed on the horizon and record only at the site. All flights are FAA-logged.

  • Data Ownership: APD now owns all collected data to prevent third-party sales.

  • Noise Cameras: A pilot program is testing cameras to reduce noisy vehicles.

  • NESS System: A new record management system, E-Trace, manages crime data statewide.

Safety, Crime, and Response

• Response Times: Improved, though still limited by staffing. Police Service Assistants (PSAs) now handle non-urgent calls like accidents and property loss.

• Crime Trends:

  • Homicides: Down by about 20 cases from last year.

  • Auto Theft: Includes stolen scooters, inflating insurance rates—residents are encouraged to contact legislators to address this.

  • ICE Cooperation: APD does not work with ICE unless there’s a clear public safety threat (e.g., violent or drug-related crimes).

Cybercrime and Fraud

• Scam Statistics:

  • 206 million fraud reports nationwide.

  • $12.5 billion in losses (~$1,500 average per victim).

  • $1.9 billion in losses tied to social media, especially among younger users.

  • Email fraud remains the most common scam vector.

• Recommendation: Use Guardio Browser Protection for cybersecurity.

Community Message

Lucy encourages neighbors to:

• Stay alert and kind.

• Celebrate neighborhood diversity and unity.

• Participate in the annual Luminarias event on December 24 to honor community spirit and New Mexico traditions.