NYPD officials weigh in on APD problems
Officer shortage cited as major concern
A group of top New York Police Department officials spent the week in Albuquerque as part of efforts by the new administration to improve the city’s own department.
“They’re doing the best they can with what they have,” NYPD Assistant Chief Fausto Pichardo said during a Friday news conference. “We have just seen the beginning of what’s going to happen in this great city and in (the Albuquerque Police Department).”
Pichardo said the most striking observation was the department’s notable staffing shortage, which is estimated to be at least 200 officers.
“You need the boots on the ground to respond to every 911 call,” Pichardo said. “If you don’t have that, you’re not going to be able to wholeheartedly proceed and reduce crime.”
The five NYPD representatives also discussed their efforts to switch to a “neighborhood policing” model that focuses more on working with communities to reduce crime.
It’s a model the Albuquerque Police Department hopes to emulate.
“We’ve gotten input not only on how our department can do better but also how our community can come together,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “Part of honoring and fulfilling the (Department of Justice) requirements and taking back our police department is having an effective neighborhood policing program, in which New York is one of the best.”
Keller said more details on the visit will likely be given at a briefing next week that will also include additional information about the department’s staffing shortage.
“I sincerely believe it’s going to help us reduce crime and increase our efforts and strategies to make Albuquerque a safer place,” APD Chief Michael Geier said.