A network of cameras, license plate readers, and gunfire-detecting devices covers New Mexico’s largest metropolis.
The Real Time Crime Center in Albuquerque has a wall of monitors. The New Mexico Legislature is being asked for additional funds by officials in order to install cameras and provide access to nearby communities. (Source: Susan Montoya Bryan/ The Associated Press)
Albuquerque’s Crime-Fighting Tech
Albuquerque authorities say a technological net of 10,000 cameras, license plate readers along some of the busiest roadways, and special listening devices that track gunfire has helped reduce crime and record homicides. Mayor Tim Keller opened Albuquerque’s Real Time Crime Center with a button. City junction and bus stop video feeds played simultaneously on a big wall-mounted screen while stations had many smaller monitors. Local news, social media, and criminal records, and facial recognition databases were available. It provides real-time information to Albuquerque police officers responding to citywide calls as a one-stop shop. The police chief and mayor agree it works. They urge state lawmakers to increase funding and reach neighboring areas. With almost $50 million spent over several years, Albuquerque wants the Legislature to add $40 million so police may monitor more metro areas and share data.
Keller said on a tour Friday that technology and police and prosecutors’ capacity to build better cases are making the neighborhood safer. “We have a long, long way to go, but we’re going the right way,” Keller added. Albuquerque is one of many communities investing in crime-fighting technology, with hundreds of real-time crime centers and more monitoring equipment. Keller pointed to the huge screen and highlighted a map with dozens of yellow markers representing ShotSpotter gunfire. Authorities said those detections are cross-referenced with live video and license plate data to let responding cops know what they’re searching for. He claims that there is a balance between the justifiable necessity to investigate crimes and protect us and the real risks that mass surveillance poses to the privacy of our community. Williams urged legislators to take reporting and data retention guidelines into account.
The Albuquerque Police Department reported a 21% rise in weapons offenses in the first nine months of 2023. Authorities attribute that to an increase in ShotSpotter technology, which covers 15% of the city. However, some have critiqued technology dependence. A 2021 Associated Press investigation of thousands of internal documents, confidential contracts, and interviews with dozens of public defenders in ShotSpotter communities found several flaws in using the technology as evidence for prosecutors. Daniel Williams, an ALCU New Mexico policing policy advocate, raised privacy concerns. He claims that there is a balance between the justifiable necessity to investigate crimes and protect us and the real risks that mass surveillance poses to the privacy of our community. Williams urged legislators to take reporting and data retention guidelines into account. Albuquerque city councilors recently extended the retention policy from two weeks to a year, which Williams says is too lengthy. “Our tradition in this country, our values are that we don’t engage in surveillance of people or intrude into their lives by law enforcement in case they commit a crime,” he said. Medina said technology has a responsibility and his department will use it to protect public safety.
READ ALSO: Increasing Violent Crimes in St. Louis
