The city department formed in 2021 that’s charged with, among other things, responding to situations involving those who are experiencing homelessness has a new home.
Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) is now located in a 10,800-square-foot facility at 1210 San Mateo Blvd. SE, just northwest of its previous location at the Gateway Center at Gibson Health Hub. ACS was created to help free up first responders and law enforcement from responding to nonviolent and nonmedical 911 calls. It instead sends staff who are trained in behavioral health and mental health issues.
In addition to housing its staff and programs, the new headquarters features a space for community gatherings. ACS is one of a trio of departments that fall under the city’s public safety umbrella. The other two are Albuquerque Fire Rescue and the Albuquerque Police Department.
City Desk ABQ took part in a media tour of the new facility Friday, joining Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, Mariela Ruiz-Angel, Jodie Esquibel and others on a walkthrough.
Ruiz-Angel led ACS from its inception, but recently left to be the associate chief administrative officer overseeing four departments: ACS, the Office of Emergency Management, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and Health, Housing & Homelessness. Esquibel is the ACS acting director and deputy director of field response.
The city is still searching for someone to replace Ruiz-Angel. The job pays $168,000 a year, according to the city.
Clockwise from the top left: (1) The new Albuquerque Community Safety headquarters at 1210 San Mateo Blvd. SE. (2) The new 10,800-square-foot facility will also serve as a space for community resources and gatherings. (3) The entrance of the new ACS headquarters. (4) The lobby of the new ACS headquarters. (5) A courtyard in the ACS headquarters. (6) A community meeting room in the ACS headquarters. (7) Deputy Director of Policy and Administration Jeffery Bustamante. (8) A staff training room at the new ACS headquarters. (9) The view outside the ACS headquarters. (10) From left to right: Acting ACS Director Jodie Esquibel, Mayor Tim Keller and Associate Chief Administrative Officer Mariela Ruiz-Angel. (11) Walter Adams, left, and Deputy Director Jasmine Desiderio who help train staff. (12) A room used by first responders to brainstorm ideas for interacting with folks who are in need. (13) The administrative offices at the new ACS headquarters. (Roberto E. Rosales / City Desk ABQ)