Albuquerque Community Safety Launches Bilateral Operational Response
New East-West geographic zone model to enhance operational efficiency, improve response times, and community connection
ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) today announced the official launch of its bilateral response model, a strategic operational approach dividing the city into two geographic zones, Eastside and Westside, separated by I-25. This model is designed to enhance service delivery, improve response times, and deepen community engagement across Albuquerque’s diverse neighborhoods.
Under this new approach, ACS responders will be dedicated to either the east or west side of the city, allowing resources to be tailored to the unique needs of each zone. By focusing efforts geographically, ACS aims to ensure more effective, efficient, and responsive service.
This model marks a significant advancement in ACS’s ongoing commitment to public safety, responsiveness, and community-centered service, enhancing the department’s ability to meet the needs of Albuquerque residents through strategic resource allocation and stronger community partnerships.
“When we launched ACS, our vision was to build a public safety system that met people where they are, literally and figuratively,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This new bilateral model strengthens that vision by bringing a focused, local response to both sides of the city, especially in fast-growing areas like the Westside.”
OneAlbuquerque Media’s press conference video.
The announcement also marked the opening of ACS West, the department’s newest field office on 98th Street, just south of Central. Westside teams will now begin and end their days at this dedicated hub, fostering stronger ties with the communities they serve.
“These are some projects that are really important for the area in regards to response time,” said District 3 City Councilor Klarissa J. Peña. “(ACS West) is really filling a void in our community that’s much needed.”
“This isn’t just a shift in logistics, it’s a shift in how we deliver care and build trust,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “With a consistent presence and deeper neighborhood knowledge, our teams can respond faster and provide more compassionate, tailored support.”
ACS, now in its fourth year, responds to over 3,000 behavioral and mental health related calls each month, diverting most of them from police and fire. The department will continue its growth with the upcoming Southwest Public Safety Center opening later this year.
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About Albuquerque Community Safety: ACS 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.