Language Access Team
Meet the Albuquerque Police Department's Language Access Team.
Deputy Chief of Police J.J. Griego
Support Services
Deputy Chief Griego was born in New York to a father who was a native of El Rito NM and a mother who was an immigrant from Germany. Deputy Chief Griego has been with the Albuquerque since 1997 and has worked in the SE Area Command, Criminal Investigations, as the APD Academy Director and is currently the Deputy Chief of Support Services. Deputy Chief Griego is a Graduate of the FBI National Academy, The FBI Executive Leadership Institute, Law Enforcement Management Institute and others. Deputy Chief Griego is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and is also serves on the IACP Technology Committee. Deputy Chief Griego’s passion for Language Access is rooted in personal family experiences as well as his experiences working as an Albuquerque Police Officer.
Joseline Segovia
APD Language Access Coordinator
Originally from El Paso, Texas. Joseline grew up in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México, and returned to the United States in 2003. She has been a New Mexico resident for 16 years. Joseline joined the Albuquerque Police Department in 2023 as a Language Access Coordinator after graduating with her Master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of New Mexico. Joseline’s first language was Spanish and has lived experience with language and cultural barriers that limit accessibility to programs and services in the United States.
Gisell Cereceres Barrera
Language Access Police Records Technician
Gisell de los Angeles Cereceres Barrera was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico by immigrant parents from Chihuahua, Mexico. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, she developed a deep passion for language, culture, and helping her community. She pursued her education at the University of New Mexico, earning two Bachelor's degrees in Linguistics and Portuguese with a minor in Spanish in 2022. She continued her academic journey and received her Master of Arts in Spanish with a concentration in Hispanic Linguistics in 2024.
During her undergraduate studies, Gisell worked with the City of Albuquerque’s childcare programs, primarily in bilingual elementary schools, supporting children in educational and after school activities. In her final year of undergraduate through her graduate studies, she worked at UNM's Women's Resource Center as the Administrator, where she coordinated programming, social events, and support services for students and staff. Gisell joined the Albuquerque Police Department in June 2024 as a Temp Language Access Program Specialist before transitioning to a permanent role in September 2024 as a Language Access Police Records Technician. Driven by her personal experiences and passion for language access, she is committed to bridging communication barriers between the community and APD.
Her professional interests include bilingualism, signed languages, phonology, child language development, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and forensic linguistics.
Pearlyne Coriz
Language Access Police Records Technician
Pearlyne Coriz is a proud member of the Santo Domingo Pueblo in New Mexico. She is a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. With a strong commitment to serving her community, Pearlyne joined the Albuquerque Police Department in November of 2024 as a Language Access Police Records Technician. Her diverse background, speaking her Native language of Keres, and dedication to both the arts and public service reflect her deep-rooted connection to her heritage and a passion for making a positive impact.
Ximena Vargas
Language Access Program Specialist
Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, I have a deep appreciation for family and the diverse cultures that enrich our communities. My upbringing was significantly influenced by my parents. I am proud to be the child of hardworking, loving hispanic parents which has deeply shaped my understanding of the struggles and significance of language access. I hold my bilingual seal on my high school diploma, reflecting my commitment to bridging language barriers and advocating for inclusive communication.
On December 16, 2024, I joined the Albuquerque Police Department's Language Access Team, where I am excited to leverage my passion for cultural diversity and communication. I am dedicated to facilitating access and support for all individuals, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder our community's safety and well-being.I have an extensive background working with people of all ethnicities and cultures. I believe that language is a powerful tool for connection.