Violence Intervention Program Division (VIP)

Building Safety Through Support 

The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) was launched in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic within the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). The program was designed to reduce gun violence by combining a public health framework with a focused-deterrence law enforcement strategy, always keeping the experiences of those affected by trauma at the center.

In late 2022, VIP transitioned to the Albuquerque Community Safety Department (ACS), aligning the program more closely with a trauma-informed, public health approach to interrupt cycles of violence as seen in the original strategic plan. This shift allows staff to respond to incidents with sensitivity, provide timely follow-up support, and offer ongoing services that promote healing and resilience.

The division is recognized by the National Offices of Violence Prevention Network as part of a national learning community of local government agencies working to reduce violence while supporting the well-being of affected individuals and families.

Today, the division houses violence prevention initiatives, offering tailored support to individuals and families impacted by addiction, domestic violence, gun violence, and youth violence. VIP remains a core part of ACS, committed to addressing the root causes of trauma and violence while fostering safety, empowerment, and lasting community healing.

At its core, VIP embodies the ACS philosophy of “the right response at the right time.” With a focus on collaboration, VIP complements the behavioral health and crisis response work of ACS by providing long-term support, prevention services, and recovery-focused care. ACS is pioneering a modern approach through its community-based mental health crisis response programs. 

Pathways to Safety, Stability, and Healing

The division is based out of the City of Albuquerque's Trauma Recovery Center. Each VIP program offers comprehensive and community-centered services to individuals and families impacted by violence or trauma. It combines assertive outreach, advocacy, evidence-based mental health support, and comprehensive case management to address specific challenges, ensuring individuals and families—especially those least likely to receive services—have access to appropriate support and resources.

The Trauma Recovery Center model prioritizes safety, compassion, and timely support for people impacted by violence. Using a public safety-first responder approach, individuals are quickly connected to trauma-informed care and services that support healing and stability. The six specialty VIP teams walk alongside individuals and families, offering consistent support and connections to trusted community resources. This approach promotes recovery, restores hope, and supports healing across the community.

• Community-Oriented Response & Assistance (CORA)

Responds to crises and trauma while providing support and promoting community healing.

• Opioid Education & Prevention (OEP)

A peer-led program that supports people living with addiction and overdose survivors by raising opioid overdose awareness, expanding Narcan access, and connecting individuals to follow-up care and treatment.

• Violence Intervention Program (VIP)

A peer led program supporting individuals who may be at risk of violence. Peers support workers, build trust, help reduce retaliation and support safer choices that promote community safety.

• Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HBVIP)

A peer-led, hospital-based program that supports patients after violent injuries by providing bedside peer support focused on safety, recovery, and connection to ongoing care after discharge.

• School-Based Violence Intervention Program (SBVIP)

A full time, on campus, mentorship program designed to reduce violence and substance use among high risk students.

• Youth Violence Intervention Program (YVIP)

Focuses on high-risk youth disconnected from school, work, or support systems.

Mobilizing Trauma-Informed Community Outreach 

This division conducts proactive, trauma-informed community outreach through initiatives such as the Seasons of Nonviolence, ACS Connect to Care events, outreach in areas experiencing high overdose rates, and targeted engagement following tragic or violent incidents in the community.

These efforts aim to build trust, ensure community members are aware of available services, and provide compassionate support. By integrating public safety and public health approaches, the division works to promote healing, resilience, and long-term community wellbeing.

The Seasons of Nonviolence initiative, led by City of Albuquerque's Community Safety Department (ACS) and Bernalillo County, promotes a culture of peace through free and safe community events throughout the year. It includes violence reduction efforts, education programs, community engagement, mental health support and connection to community resources. By working with local government, nonprofits, schools, and community groups, the initiative aims to reduce youth violence and strengthen community trust year-round.

Why It Matters

Through strong partnerships with community-based organizations, the VIP Division takes an innovative, trauma-informed approach that bridges public safety and public health. By working in hospitals, supporting diversion and community-based violence prevention, expanding access to victim and survivor services, and tailoring responses to individual needs, VIP strengthens systems and delivers care where it has the greatest impact.

The division's efforts in helping reduce crime is evident in recent APD crime statistics for 2025, which show continued decreases in all major categories of crime in Albuquerque. Collective city efforts have helped it achieve its lowest crime levels in eight years.

Our Influence 

Our team has become a subject matter expert and mentor to multiple nonprofits and government agencies both within and outside New Mexico. We are part of several national associations, where we are participating in research, and program development across the country. Also serving as a technical assistance resource to other cities and counties for behavioral health response and violence intervention efforts.

The City of Albuquerque’s violence prevention program predates the State of New Mexico’s Violence Intervention Fund. The fund awards violence intervention program grants to municipalities and tribal governments that are disproportionately impacted by violent crime, including homicides, shootings, and aggravated assaults, with the goal of expanding violence intervention programs statewide.

As a recipient of state and federal funding for community violence intervention efforts, ACS VIP serves as the leading model and expand community-based violence intervention outreach programs and services across Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Through our advocacy for community-based crisis response and violence intervention efforts, we will continue to serve as pioneers locally, statewide, and nationally.

To ensure programming remains evidence-based and maintains fidelity, OEP, SBVIP, and Youth VIP undergo ongoing evaluation by APEX and SD Hughes Group LLC. An overall evaluation of VIP programs as part of the Albuquerque Trauma Recovery Center is currently being conducted by AIR (American Institutes for Research), with continued evaluation support from the Vera Institute of Justice.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know could benefit from these programs, we’re here to help.

Call: 505-768-4818

Email: [email protected]