SANTA FE -- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday lauded the New Mexico State Police for their efforts to date in the multi-agency enterprise aimed at reducing violent crime in Albuquerque.
The roughly 50 state police officers temporarily assigned to targeted areas of Albuquerque as part of the multi-agency Violent Crime Initiative have generated, to date, more than 257 total arrests, including several dozen felony arrests and 13 DWI arrests. State Police have also, as part of the initiative, seized meth, heroin, firearms, ammunition and stolen license plates, among other evidence. State Police officers have not only cited suspected lawbreakers but proactively engaged with community residents to seek out input and suggestions, to the tune of several thousand “citizen contacts.”
This is in addition to results from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit and Gang Violence Reduction Unit as part of the Violent Crime Initiative, which began May 10:
Felony arrests: 3
Firearms recovered: 4
Search warrants executed: 1
Felony arrests from auto theft: 19
Recovered stolen vehicles: 24
Guns recovered from auto theft: 3
Bait car arrests: 2 burglary, 1 unlawful taking
Auto theft arrests: 11
“Sending more police officers to a specific location is not a panacea,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “But, in this case, with a city that feels unsafe amid recent episodes of violent crime, supplementing local law enforcement with state personnel has been effective, as these preliminary numbers demonstrate. My expectation remains that state police assigned to the metro area will hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity and professionalism in assisting local residents. I know the people of Albuquerque share that expectation.”
“Having this backup from the State Police shows what kind of impact fully staffing the police department will have to fight crime and meet our commitment to community policing,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “That’s why we’re working hard at our goal of hiring 100 new qualified officers each year. The increased State Police presence and enforcement activity has allowed APD’s specialty units, such as gang suppression and auto theft, to target violent offenders throughout the city.”
As has been widely reported, state police on Tuesday arrested the suspect in last week’s officer-involved shooting without incident. Daniel Franco allegedly shot at another man in the days prior to the police pursuit in which a state police officer discharged his weapon.
“This proactive enforcement from the New Mexico State Police is a force multiplier for us,” APD Chief Mike Geier said. “Our officers have worked hard over the past 16 months to drive down crime and engage in community policing, but with limited resources. The addition of State Police officers shows how much more effective we can be with more officers on the streets of Albuquerque.”
“The New Mexico State Police is and will continue to be committed to proactively protecting the citizens of Albuquerque,” State Police Chief Tim Johnson said. “We have been successful so far in slowing down the rate of violent crime. Our officers have been approached by dozens of citizens and business owners who have thanked them for their service and assistance. The Albuquerque Police Department has welcomed us from day one, and I look forward to this excellent collaboration moving forward. I hope citizens are proud to know their public servants are all pulling in the same direction and working to make a different to keep people safe.”