Mayor Keller, APD Release Crime Statistics

July 18, 2018

Mayor Tim Keller and APD Chief Mike Geier released crime statistics for the first half of 2018 (January through June) that show encouraging trends in many areas. The statistics are compiled with the same methodology that the previous administration used and include a year-to-year comparison for the same time period.

During the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, APD officers have increased traffic stops by 35%; and increased arrests on felony warrants. At the same time, most crime indicators have decreased. Robbery decreased by 31%, auto burglary decreased by 31% and auto theft decreased by 16%.

However, gun-related violence, including the increase in homicides, remains high. As a result, APD targeted some areas where homicides have spiked in recent months. Officers have increased their presence and enforcement in those areas, while working with residents to build relationships. APD is also continuing its focus on reducing auto theft, which can also help prevent violent crime.

APD has also trained its Crisis Intervention Teams, which are working with Bernalillo County deputies and highly-trained clinicians to more effectively help people in crisis and diffuse the crisis.

“We are working to reshape the Albuquerque Police Department and attack crime from all sides,” Mayor Keller said. “We are changing the culture and investing in a new APD that embraces accountability and constitutional, community policing.

“We want to be transparent with the public about crime in our neighborhoods. We also want to use data to help drive our community policing, which requires us to continually assess trends.”

Chief Geier said he is hopeful the positive trends will continue, especially as APD hires more officers.

“Our front-line officers deserve the credit for the progress we’ve made. It’s not a secret that we have been understaffed and overworked for some time,” Chief Geier said. “I appreciate our officers who have embraced the changes we’ve made and the new direction for APD.”

The following statistics represent enforcement activities and crime during the first six months of 2018, as compared to the first six months of 2017.

                                    2017                2018                % Change

ENFORCEMENT

Traffic Stops               17,376             23,461             +35%

CRIME

Auto Burglary             6,559               4,523               -32%

Auto Theft                  3,633               3,061               -18%

Commercial Burglary 1,183               994                  -13%

Residential Burglary   2,207               2,075               -11%

VIOLENT CRIME

Homicide                    33                    39                    +18%

Rape                            236                  226                  -4%

Robbery                      1,467               1,012               -31%

Aggravated Assault    1,957               1,851               -5%

Non-Fatal Shootings   60                    63                    +5%