ABQ Times

Today in Albuquerque, a community milestone was celebrated as the Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) marked its 100,000th call for service. Mayor Tim Keller led the celebration with approximately 300 community members, underscoring the importance of ACS’s contributions to mental and behavioral health response.

ACS, the city’s third public safety department, focuses on calls that involve mental and behavioral health issues, welfare checks, substance use issues, and situations where law enforcement or fire department response is not necessary. Since its inception in 2021, ACS's role has expanded from handling 900 calls monthly to over 3,000. The department operates 24/7 as of September 2023 and established a standalone headquarters by 2024—the first in the nation for alternative public safety response.

Albuquerque's ACS model has attracted national attention, with cities like Seattle considering adopting similar programs. Community member Candace, who benefited from ACS's support during her homelessness and substance use issues, shared her story at the event. Her experience with ACS, which provided a transition from an emergency shelter to long-term recovery housing, highlighted the compassionate role ACS plays.

Fire Chief Jaramillo shared a success story where ACS peer support workers and AFR responders collaborated to reverse an overdose and provide long-term support. Mayor Tim Keller stated, "Albuquerque Community Safety was never a temporary solution, but a long-term commitment to improving public safety and doing things differently to better serve our city." ACS Director Jodie Esquibel added, "As we celebrate this important feat, it’s clear that ACS is changing the way we approach community safety.”

ACS aims to continue expanding its services and enhancing public safety for all Albuquerque residents.

ACS is Albuquerque's third public safety branch, handling behavioral health, substance use, and non-criminal issues. To request an ACS responder, call 911 for emergencies or 311 for non-emergencies.