Mayor Tim Keller, CAO Sarita Nair Go Undercover with APD to Assess Downtown Safety Challenges

August 12, 2018

Mayor Tim Keller and Chief Administrative Officer Sarita Nair went undercover with the Albuquerque Police Department to assess public safety challenges downtown, including the nightlife shutdown process on weekends.

“Getting a handle on public safety in our downtown area is key to the whole city’s success,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We went out late on a Saturday night until 3:00 a.m. to do a firsthand assessment and we’re going to make some significant changes moving forward. It’s going to be a long road ahead, and it will take all of us coming together, but we’re getting started now to make this area feel safe and vibrant again.”

In the coming months, Mayor Keller will be rolling out a downtown policing initiative that will address the concerns of businesses, residents, and those who frequent downtown for nightlife. The initiative is interdepartmental, with APD, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Family and Community Services, Solid Waste, Municipal Development, Transit and others working together.

Over the past few months, APD Lieutenant Ray Del Greco has met with local businesses and neighborhood groups to gather information about their needs in the downtown area to inform the development of the downtown policing initiative.

“In addition to bringing old-fashioned policing back to this area, we’ve got to address the challenges with homelessness, behavioral health and addiction that are prevalent down here,” continued Mayor Keller. “We’re developing a comprehensive approach, not just another band-aid.”

The Mayor will release more information in the months ahead, including a plan for a downtown command center and a nightlife safety strategy.