ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Children are the most vulnerable when it comes to crimes in our community, and this week, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) hosted a course focused on helping kids in crisis. “They are, you know, the future of our community, obviously extremely important to the Albuquerque Police Department and to community members. And we want to make sure that they’re safe. And so, we’re really working with other agencies throughout the city and the state to make sure that our officers are trained appropriately,” said Interim APD Chief Cecily Barker.
This week, the department hosted its annual Care Training, which prepares officers to help kids in situations of sexual assault or other major crises. The program began in 2017 and started with only 34 officers. Since then, the program has rapidly grown, now with 150 officers. It’s not just APD; the training includes other departments like the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
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Since the program’s launch, Interim Chief Barker says it’s a cause she’s deeply passionate about. “I think initially, we have seen like the goal is to get kids back to their family. And while that is very important for us, it’s the safety of the child. We want them to, you know, be taken care of. And so, that’s really what our number one priority is as a police department,” said Interim Chief Barker.
During this week’s classes, there were 50 officers, deputies, and staff in the training…