Albuquerque Residents Weigh In on Police Chief Search

Over 1,000 community members provide input on priorities for the city's next top cop

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The City of Albuquerque says it has received feedback from more than 1,000 residents on the qualities and priorities they want to see in the city's next police chief. Based on the community input gathered through surveys, focus groups, and public forums, the city is looking for a chief who demonstrates visible, ethical, and accountable leadership, prioritizes community-centered policing and trust-building, and improves overall police responsiveness, safety, and operational effectiveness.

Why it matters

The search for a new police chief in Albuquerque comes at a critical time, as the city grapples with public safety concerns and aims to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the community. Gathering robust input from residents is seen as key to identifying a leader who can address the community's top priorities and help transform the police department.

The details

The city's online survey, focus groups, and public forums have allowed community members to provide feedback on the qualities and priorities they want to see in Albuquerque's next police chief. Residents have consistently emphasized the need for a chief who demonstrates visible, ethical, and accountable leadership; prioritizes community-centered policing and trust-building; and improves overall police responsiveness, safety, and operational effectiveness. Specific concerns include the need for more proactive engagement with neighborhoods, advocacy groups, and vulnerable populations, as well as improved responses to calls for service and data-driven strategies to address public safety challenges.

  • The City of Albuquerque launched the online survey and community engagement process in January 2026.
  • The city says it has received over 1,000 responses from residents as of February 12, 2026.

The players

City of Albuquerque

The local government of Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is currently conducting a search for a new police chief and gathering community input on the desired qualities and priorities for the role.

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What’s next

The city plans to use the community feedback to help guide the selection of the next police chief, who will be tasked with addressing the public's top priorities and rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the Albuquerque community.

The takeaway

Albuquerque's inclusive approach to the police chief search reflects a growing trend among cities to actively engage residents in the process of identifying law enforcement leadership that can effectively address community concerns and priorities around public safety and police-community relations.