Albuquerque sees decline in violent crime, but still ranks high among major US cities

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

The Albuquerque Police Department announced a notable decrease in violent crime rates, including homicides, robberies, and shootings, in Albuquerque, although the city still ranks 19th in homicides among 59 major U.S. cities.

Police Chief Harold Medina held a news conference this week, declaring a safer Albuquerque and highlighting improvements in crime clearance rates.

"I think our clearance rates on homicides are a good indication of that," Medina said.

Medina shared statistics showing a 39% reduction in shootings with injuries, a 32% decrease in homicides, a 22% drop in robberies, and a 15% reduction in rapes compared to the previous year.

"Shootings with injuries, for example, in 2024, at this point in time, they're 237. This year, they're 144 for a 39% reducti