APD Successfully Completes First Week of Partnership with New Mexico National Guard

ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department successfully completed the first week of its partnership with the New Mexico National Guard, marking a significant step forward in community safety and operational support. This collaboration focuses on non-law enforcement duties to assist APD officers in critical incidents and day-to-day operations.

Since the partnership began, members of the New Mexico National Guard have played an instrumental role in several high-stakes situations. Within the first week alone, Guard personnel supported APD during three active crime scenes -- a SWAT call, and two homicide investigation -- all occurring within a 24-hour period. Their efforts in securing scene perimeters and managing traffic control were vital in allowing APD officers to focus on investigative and law enforcement tasks.

In another life-saving incident, while monitoring the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) cameras, Guard members identified a man who had passed out due to a medical emergency. They immediately alerted officers, who were dispatched to the scene. Thanks to their vigilance, the man received timely medical attention, underscoring the critical support role the Guard provides.

To maintain transparency and keep the community informed, APD is releasing a detailed FACT Sheet outlining the specific duties of the New Mexico National Guard as part of this partnership, as well as clarifying what the Guard is not doing:

Duties of the New Mexico National Guard:

• Securing scene perimeters and containing outer perimeters at critical incidents
• Managing traffic control at event and incident sites
• Assisting the Prisoner Transport Center with booking procedures and evidence documentation
• Supporting the APD Drone Program by operating and monitoring drone deployments and video feeds from the RTCC
• Assisting the Shield Unit with administrative tasks involved in preparing criminal cases for prosecution

What the Guard Will NOT Do:

• They will not be armed
• They will not operate military vehicles
• They will not make arrests or conduct traffic stops
• They will not detain anyone or use force
• They will not engage in any immigration-related activities

What to Expect When You See Guard Members:

• Uniform: Black polo shirts and brown pants
• Vehicles: Albuquerque Police PSA vehicles
• Protective Gear: Vests worn during scene security and traffic control duties
• Equipment: OC spray (pepper spray) carried for personal protection
• Accountability: On-Body Recording Devices (OBRD) worn, with all recordings governed by APD policies

“Our collaboration with the New Mexico National Guard enhances our ability to serve and protect the community efficiently while maintaining transparency and respect for civil rights,” said Chief Harold Medina. “We understand there are concerns based on what is taking place in other parts of the country, and we want to assure the public that here in Albuquerque, the Guard’s role is clearly defined, and focused on support without enforcement. Our priority is that everyone feels safe, respected, and fully informed about the role these Guard members play.”

The Albuquerque Police Department remains committed to openness and community engagement as this partnership continues. For more information, the full Fact Sheet is available on our website here.

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