ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque has a new police chief hired from within the ranks. Chief Cecily Barker is the first woman to lead the department in APD’s history, and has been a member of the department for 22 years.
This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Chris and Gabby sit down with Chief Barker for an in-depth conversation about her approach to leadership, the future of policing in Albuquerque, and what people can expect under her command. She reflects on APD’s decade under federal DOJ reform, evolving use-of-force policies, officer accountability, and the ongoing challenge of rebuilding public trust after the DWI corruption scandal that shook the department.
As APD enters a new chapter, Chief Barker offers a candid look at the pressures and priorities of leading New Mexico’s largest police force. What makes her stand out from prior leadership at APD?…