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City of Albuquerque Launches ‘Pathway to Public Safety’ Paid Internship Program

APD-CNM partnership provides work experience and college credit to launch careers in public safety.

June 8, 2023

Today, the City of Albuquerque announced a new partnership between the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), which will provide paid internships to qualifying candidates interested in entering the public safety workforce. The program kicks off in August and will help participants develop skills and gain the experience required for jobs such as police service aides, police officers, firefighters, and community safety responders. 

“Helping potential recruits develop the skills they need to be successful is a priority for us, and we’re happy to be partnering with CNM on this innovative program that will have lasting positive effects on our community,” said Chief Harold Medina. “Interns will exit the internship better prepared for public safety careers by gaining valuable knowledge in criminal justice, first aid, and other important topics.” 

The six-week program is offered at no cost to qualifying candidates, as tuition and fees will be covered by the City of Albuquerque. The curriculum includes 18 hours of training at CNM, as well as eight hours of work experience with APD per week, and will pay $17 per hour. Interested candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent by July 24, 2023.  

The CNM portion of the program includes two courses, for which participants will receive college credit. One course combines elements of an introduction to criminal justice with patrol procedures, and the other covers CPR, first aid, fire safety, and more healthcare-related topics.  

“CNM is honored to be partnering with APD to provide this paid internship pathway for those interested in serving our community through public safety,” said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. “We’re excited to build on our strong partnerships with the City of Albuquerque and APD through this new internship that’s designed to bolster our public safety workforce while fostering a safer and more connected community that advances quality of life for all. We’re excited about this partnership and developing new ones that make a difference in our community and connect individuals with quality careers in high-demand fields.” 

“It will require partnerships like this one to help us build the public safety workforce our city needs,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We look forward to helping the next generation of public safety professionals launch their careers with the best training and support available.” 

Learn more and apply to the Pathway to Public Safety internship program on the City's website. Applications will be accepted until July 24, 2023, with the program beginning August 7, 2023. Space is limited in the “Pathway to Public Safety” internship program, and those interested are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.