Albuquerque city leaders are expanding a technology they say will help curb crime in Old Town.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Albuquerque city leaders are expanding a technology they say will help curb crime in Old Town.
Police say several businesses were vandalized on Tuesday, including one that appears to have been set on fire — just the tip of the iceberg in a crime-ridden area.
Well, next time you visit Old Town, things might look a little different: Mobile camera units, foot patrols, license plate readers, speed cameras and gunshot detection systems have been added to curb crime.
“We're trying to take a multi-layered approach to law enforcement in the city because we know we don't always need officers with badges and weapons,” Mayor Tim Keller said.
Keller said his office has worked with Albuquerque Police, Metro Security, city development and local residents to bring additional crime-fighting technology to Old Town.
“We'll cover the cost, we'll work with you guys to make sure you cover the cost. It's also a great deterrent. People find out where the cameras are and they don't go there, so why not make it Old Town,” Keller said.
More mobile camera units are being added, but as to how many will be permanently installed in Old Town, APD Chief Harold Medina said the process is underway to determine how many will be needed.
“We will evaluate how this first set of cameras works and then determine approximately how many cameras we need to install in that area,” Medina said. “We are committed to having these two video trailers here until we have permanent cameras installed.”
Business owner Pete Kassetas said he's glad the city is paying attention to the issues they face.
“It took a lot of pressure from the Old Town merchant community, in my opinion, but at the end of the day, if it's necessary, it's necessary,” Outpost 1706 owner Pete Kassetas said.
Kassetas hopes this will help, but he doesn't think the efforts APD and the city are making are enough.
“The courts need to act. We need to figure out what to do and Congress needs to help us. Those who should stay in prison should stay in prison. The guy who broke into our bars had been arrested 21 times before. I don't understand it. I can understand second chances but I can't understand the 21st,” Kassetas said.
These efforts will be expanded to other hotspots across the metropolitan area, including BioPark, the Sawmill District, Nob Hill and Jerry Klein Park.
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