With the upcoming legislative session less than two weeks away, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, federal and local enforcement leaders are making a proposal for the creation of a $10 million fund to tackle the current warrant backlog in the Albuquerque Metro.
In a press conference held Friday, Keller shared that there are 5,000 criminals with felony warrants currently walking the streets.
An additional 62,000 individuals have outstanding misdemeanors warrants.
Keller said the funding they’re asking for will help lead to a quicker solution to combating crime and make the streets of Albuquerque safer.
“We believe this is the number one way and the fastest way that we can make this city safer in months, not years and we desperately need the legislature to act on this in the upcoming session.”
This proposal would not only provide funds to help the Albuquerque Police Department, but also country, state and federal law enforcement partners as well.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, State Police and the U.S. Marshalls Service have all joined in this commitment to working through the warrant backlog.
With all of these departments working together, the idea is to create one, working law enforcement agency dedicated to locating and arresting those with outstanding warrants.
Newly appointed District Attorney Sam Bregman said the renewed commitment to addressing the warrant backlog and these law enforcement agencies working together will lead to better outcomes for the citizens of Albuquerque.
“The commitment to make a difference, an immediate difference in crime is there and the Mayor and everyone that has spoken is exactly right on what it's going to take. The immediate effect of dealing with this warrant backlog will have a profound effect on crime in this city.”
The $10 million, if approved by the legislature, will go toward the establishment of a Warrant Backlog Overtime Fund.