Albuquerque Community Safety Kicks Off 1st Academy of 2026

ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) has officially launched its first training academy of 2026, welcoming 13 new Responders who will help strengthen the City’s approach to community-centered public safety. This marks the department’s 12th academy class since ACS was established.

The new class underscores ACS’s continued commitment to preparing Responders to address the complex needs of Albuquerque residents, including mental and behavioral health crises, homelessness, and substance use. Through comprehensive classroom instruction and hands-on training, recruits are equipped to deliver trauma-informed, compassionate, and community-focused care.

The academy brings together a diverse group of Behavioral Health Responders, Community Responders, and Street Outreach Responders. Once deployed, they will expand ACS’s capacity to respond to non-emergency calls through 911 and 311, helping connect individuals to appropriate services and resources.

“Every day, our Community Safety Responders show up with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to helping people through difficult moments,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Launching another academy means more trained Responders ready to serve Albuquerque and provide an alternative response focused on care and connection.”

“Each new academy is a meaningful milestone for ACS,” said ACS Training Administrator Lynn Reed. “These Responders are joining a team dedicated to collaboration, empathy, and service to the Albuquerque community.”

Since its inception, ACS has responded to more than 137,000 calls, offering a civilian-led response to non-emergency public safety needs. The addition of these 13 new Responders represents another important step forward in ACS’s mission to enhance public safety while prioritizing dignity, care, and community well-being throughout Albuquerque.

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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.