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Crime And The Election In Albuquerque

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Let’s Talk New Mexico 9/21 8a: It’s the No. 1 issue on voters’ minds heading into the municipal election on October 3. Some mayoral and Council candidates in Albuquerque are calling for more police officers on the force and a new police chief. What do you think it will take to decrease the number of violent crimes and property crimes?

Credit Rashad Mahmood / KUNM
Based on statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program

Crime has been an issue here for decades—and a cornerstone of campaign rhetoric. For some politicians, including Gov. Susana Martinez, the answer has always been tougher penalties for criminals. FBI data released this time last year said crime was on the rise around the state and in Albuquerque. Are tougher penalties working?

Big efforts have been made to reform our courts and the Albuquerque Police Department, and people’s opinions vary about whether that’s part of the high crime-rate problem, or the solution. Does the city have to pick between criminal justice reform and public safety?

Crime and the perception of Albuquerque as a dangerous city are impacting some businesses. How bad is the problem? How does crime affect our economy, and visa versa?

Credit Rashad Mahmood / KUNM
Based on statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program

What are some of the larger, systemic issues at play here? Do you think education, behavioral health and addiction treatment services, trauma and poverty are factors?

Email letstalk@kunm.org, call in live during the show, or tag us in a Tweet #letstalkNM.

Guests:

Resources:

ABQ Mayoral Candidates On Crime:

Marisa Demarco began a career in radio at KUNM News in late 2013 and covered public health for much of her time at the station. During the pandemic, she is also the executive producer for Your NM Government and No More Normal, shows focused on the varied impacts of COVID-19 and community response, as well as racial and social justice. She joined Source New Mexico as editor-in-chief in 2021.
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