APD Highlights Transit Safety Operation on Central Corridor
Mayor Tim Keller, Chief of Police Harold Medina and Transit Director Leslie Keener highlighted a proactive transit safety operation along the Central Avenue corridor. The operation began two weeks ago in southeast Albuquerque with APD’s Southeast Proactive Response Team. PRT members from across the city saturated the Central Avenue corridor along the transit route from Tramway Boulevard to Coors Boulevard. The goal of the operation was to address crime concerns at bus stops, on buses and known problem locations along the transit route. The operation yielded the following results:
- 106 felony warrants cleared
- 66 felony arrests
- 10 misdemeanor arrests
- 38 misdemeanor warrants cleared
- 8 criminal summonses
- 22 citations
- 8 traffic stops
- 3 criminal trespass notifications
- 5 firearms recovered
- 2 recovered stolen vehicle
“These types of operations address real concerns that we receive from community members,” said Chief Harold Medina. “The proactive response teams were created for issues like this. To be able to proactively address crime trends or arising issues. We want our bus systems to be safe for people who need to use them so we will continue executing operations like this one.”
During the operation, officers also visited a known problem alleyway at San Pedro Drive and Central Avenue. Officers located a 13-year-old child in the alleyway who said he was waiting for his mother who never arrived. The child’s father was on scene but was arrested for an outstanding warrant. The child was placed into CYFD custody.
APD will launch a full program of Police Service Aides that will be riding on the buses throughout Albuquerque. Along with the proactive patrols by officers and the use of Transit Safety officers. These efforts will supplement the Metro Security Division, which is already patrolling bus stops, buses, and transit routes.
“Our buses are a lifeline for people getting around town, but we’ve seen an uptick in illegal activity at bus stops and on routes that we will not accept as the status quo,” said Mayor Tim Keller. "We’re adding more police and security resources for our transit system so it’s safer for riders, staff, and the surrounding areas.”
The City reminds the public that they can help improve transit safety by reporting crime or suspicious activity. If people see something troubling, they should call 242-COPS or 911. Reporting crime and concerns helps the City make data informed decisions about security and police operations.
“Families, commuters, and everyday residents deserve safe public transit systems,” said Director of Transit Leslie Keener. “We’re taking multi-pronged approach to making ABQ Ride safer, and we appreciate the One Albuquerque effort from multiple City agencies and the community to help.”
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