Albuquerque Achieves Top 10 Readiness Score for Gun Violence Prevention in New National Index

ALBUQUERQUE — Albuquerque received a top 10 score for its readiness to reduce gun violence according to the fourth annual Violence Prevention Index (VPI) released by Community Justice, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing gun violence and advancing community safety.

With a score of 66 out of 100 — significantly above the national average of 36 — the City’s ranking reflects investments in infrastructure, community-based programs, and policies that support a comprehensive approach to violence prevention.

A significant part of Albuquerque’s violence prevention infrastructure is housed within Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), the City’s third branch of public safety. ACS has expanded the traditional public safety model by pairing crisis response with prevention, trauma-informed care, and community-based violence intervention.

Through its Violence Intervention Division, peer support workers and intervention specialists engage individuals at highest risk of involvement in gun violence. These teams provide ongoing mentorship, conflict mediation, and connections to housing, employment, behavioral health, and other services. ACS also opened New Mexico’s first Trauma Recovery Center to provide coordinated, trauma-informed support to people impacted by violence.

“Community safety is strongest when we meet people where they are and connect them with the right support at the right time,” said Mayor Tim Keller.  “Our prevention approach is rooted in trusted relationships and the understanding that people and communities need more than one response to address violence. By bringing together public safety, public health, and community expertise, we can interrupt cycles of violence and create pathways to healing and stability.”

“Community safety is strongest when we bring together the right resources, partnerships, and responses at the right time,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “Our Violence Intervention Program builds trusted relationships with people at the highest risk of violence and creates opportunities to break cycles of violence, rebuild their lives, and contribute positively to our community.” 

The recognition highlights Albuquerque’s robust investment in a public-safety system designed to intervene earlier, address root causes, support survivors, and build safer communities over the long term.

To view the full report, visit: https://thecommunityjustice.net/violence-prevention-index.

###

About Albuquerque Community Safety
Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.