Albuquerque Residents Seek Visible, Ethical Police Chief

Over 1,000 residents provide input on desired qualities for next police leader

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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As Albuquerque searches for its next police chief, over 1,000 residents have shared their feedback through surveys, focus groups, and public forums. The majority of residents want a chief who is visible in the community, communicates openly with the public, and demonstrates ethical and accountable leadership. Residents also seek stronger community policing, improved response times, and increased patrols in high-need areas, while maintaining a balanced approach when working with youth and the homeless.

Why it matters

The public input will play a critical role in evaluating candidates for Albuquerque's next police chief, as the city aims to find a leader who can rebuild trust and address key community concerns around public safety.

The details

Albuquerque's search for a new police chief continues, with the city collecting feedback from over 1,000 residents through surveys, focus groups, and public forums. The majority of residents have expressed a desire for a chief who is visible in the community, communicates openly with the public, and demonstrates ethical and accountable leadership.

  • The city of Albuquerque has been collecting resident feedback since the start of 2026.

The players

Tim Keller

The mayor of Albuquerque, who said the resident feedback will play a critical role in evaluating candidates for the police chief position.

Cecily Barker

The current interim police chief of Albuquerque, who is one of the two APD candidates that have applied for the permanent position.

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What they’re saying

“The feedback will play a critical role in evaluating candidates.”

— Tim Keller, Mayor (KKOB)

The takeaway

Albuquerque's next police chief will need to prioritize building strong community relationships, improving public safety response, and demonstrating ethical leadership in order to address the key concerns expressed by residents during the search process.