Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) has officially launched a new bilateral response model that divides the city into two geographic zones along Interstate 25, aiming to enhance response times and strengthen community connections across the metro area.
The new operational approach assigns ACS responders to either the east or west side of the city, allowing resources to be tailored to the unique needs of each zone. Officials say the geographic focus will enable more effective and efficient service delivery to Albuquerque’s diverse neighborhoods.
“When we launched ACS, our vision was to build a public safety system that met people where they are, literally and figuratively,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “This new bilateral model strengthens that vision by bringing a focused, local response to both sides of the city, especially in fast-growing areas like the Westside.”
The launch coincided with the opening of ACS West, the department’s newest field office located at 517 98th Street SW, just south of Central Avenue. Westside teams will now begin and end their shifts at this dedicated facility, designed to foster stronger ties with the communities they serve.
“These are some projects that are really important for the area in regards to response time,” said District 3 City Councilor Klarissa Peña. “(ACS West) is really filling a void in our community that’s much needed.”
ACS Director Jodie Esquibel described the change as more than just a logistical shift.
“This isn’t just a shift in logistics, it’s a shift in how we deliver care and build trust,” Esquibel said. “With a consistent presence and deeper neighborhood knowledge, our teams can respond faster and provide more compassionate, tailored support.”
Now in its fourth year of operation, ACS responds to more than 3,000 behavioral and mental health-related calls each month, diverting most of them from police and fire departments. The department serves as Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety, handling calls involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues.
The department’s expansion will continue with the upcoming opening of the Southwest Public Safety Center later this year, further extending ACS’s reach across the metro area.
Residents can request an ACS responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.