Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) – Albuquerque voters have approved a city charter amendment that changes how the head of Albuquerque Community Safety is selected. The measure passed with roughly 70 percent support, giving the department’s leader the title of chief and requiring confirmation by the Albuquerque City Council.
Supporters say the change strengthens oversight and accountability for a department that has become a major part of Albuquerque’s public safety system, responding to behavioral health, homelessness, and other non-criminal calls. Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers says the head of Albuquerque Community Safety should require City Council approval, arguing the department deserves the same level of oversight and accountability as police and fire leadership.
Under the new system, the mayor will nominate an Albuquerque Public Safety Chief, subject to council confirmation, similar to the appointment process for the chiefs of Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Fire Rescue. Supporters say the change brings additional transparency, while opponents argued it could add another layer of politics to the appointment process.
