Mayor and Bernalillo County Highlight Critical Public Safety Issues for Police and Firefighters
Sept. 16, 2020
Today Mayor Tim Keller, Bernalillo County officials, and first responders spotlight the outcome of the legislative session of critical importance to fire fighters, police and other public safety personnel. Together, they highlighted the capital funding to support the interoperability of law enforcement communications technology in the region.
The $38 million in capital funding for law enforcement radio communications invests in a new radio and telecom system for Albuquerque metro area public safety agencies, including the Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Bernalillo County Fire Department, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, APS Police, and UNM Police. This includes a much-needed upgrade to the P25 system in order to keep up with current technology.
The current communications system is severely outdated and has problematic “dead spots” in parts of the Westside, East Mountains, and in structures such as schools.
“During critical emergencies, law enforcement agencies in this region can’t communicate with each other,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “That is simply unacceptable when it comes to the public’s safety. So, the City and the County worked together to make these upgrades a top funding priority for the legislative session. Thanks to new leadership from our new Governor, we got it done. This investment improves our ability to stop dangerous criminals and respond to critical emergencies, no matter where they are.”