Evaluating Public Safety Perceptions in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Objective:

To understand community perceptions of public safety in Albuquerque, New Mexico, identify areas of concern, and provide actionable recommendations for law enforcement, city officials, and community organizations.

Methodology:

Using a Typeform survey, we collected anonymous feedback from residents, business owners, and community leaders. Ads were strategically targeted across diverse neighborhoods to capture a wide range of perspectives.

• Survey Duration: 3 weeks

• Total Responses: 1,800

• Respondent Breakdown:

  • Residents: 55%

  • Local Business Owners: 25%

  • Community Leaders and Stakeholders: 20%

Key Questions:

1. How safe do you feel in your neighborhood during the day and at night?

2. On a scale of 1-10, how effective do you feel local law enforcement is at addressing public safety concerns?

3. What do you see as the most significant safety issue in Albuquerque (e.g., property crime, violent crime, homelessness)?

4. How confident are you that public safety concerns are prioritized by city officials?

5. What would improve your sense of safety (e.g., increased police presence, community programs, better lighting, etc.)?

Findings:

1. Perceptions of Safety:

   • 65% of respondents feel safe during the day in their neighborhood, but this drops to 38% at night.

   • Areas with higher foot traffic, such as downtown Albuquerque, reported the lowest levels of perceived safety after dark.

2. Effectiveness of Law Enforcement:

   • Law enforcement received an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 for effectiveness, with many citing response times as a critical concern.

   • 72% of respondents feel there’s a need for better communication between law enforcement and the community.

3. Top Safety Concerns:

   • 58% of respondents identified property crime (e.g., car thefts, burglaries) as the most pressing issue.

   • Homelessness was flagged by 42%, with many respondents noting its intersection with safety concerns.

   • Violent crime was a secondary concern, with 35% citing it as a major issue.

4. Community Recommendations:

   • 67% believe improving public lighting, particularly in downtown and residential areas, would significantly enhance safety.

   • 55% support the creation of community-driven safety programs, such as neighborhood watch groups.

   • 49% called for more visible police presence during evenings in high-crime areas.

5. Confidence in City Leadership:

   • Only 41% of respondents believe public safety is adequately prioritized by city officials.

   • Transparency was highlighted as a concern, with 64% requesting regular updates on crime reduction strategies and outcomes.

Actionable Recommendations:

1. Increase Visibility of Law Enforcement:

   • Deploy more officers during peak crime hours and in high-risk areas to deter criminal activity.

   • Implement foot and bike patrols to build stronger relationships with residents.

2. Improve Public Lighting:

   • Audit lighting in key areas and prioritize upgrades in neighborhoods and downtown corridors.

   • Explore solar-powered lighting solutions to reduce costs and improve sustainability.

3. Develop Community Programs:

   • Launch a city-funded “Safe Streets Initiative” to create and support neighborhood watch groups.

   • Partner with local nonprofits to provide mental health and housing support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

4. Enhance Communication:

   • Host monthly public safety forums where residents can voice concerns and hear directly from law enforcement and city officials.

   • Create a digital crime dashboard to keep residents informed about safety trends and response efforts.

5. Invest in Response Time Improvements:

   • Increase funding for emergency services to reduce 911 response times.

   • Implement technology upgrades to streamline emergency communication.

Impact:

This survey highlighted a clear need for improved safety measures in Albuquerque, particularly around property crime and nighttime visibility. The data has sparked discussions between law enforcement, city leaders, and community groups about implementing new strategies. Plans for increased lighting and community safety programs are already underway, driven by the insights gathered in this survey.

Conclusion:

By gathering feedback from diverse voices, Albuquerque can take targeted steps to address public safety concerns. This project demonstrates the power of community insights in shaping practical, impactful solutions.