APS shows the technology being used to keep schools safe
Oct 29, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Over the years, school safety has become an increasing concern across the nation including in New Mexico. On Thursday, Albuquerque Public Schools hosted a tour showing what they're doing to protect their campuses.
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APS invited elected officials and community members to see the technology the district uses to protect schools. The police chief at APS said they want to show the public that they're keeping staff and students safe. "Feeling comfortable and safe at schools. I think that's the biggest thing, feeling comfortable and safe at schools," said Steve Gallegos, Chief of School Police at APS.
That is what the chief of police at Albuquerque Public Schools said is the most important goal for their department. APS gave a tour of their police command center where community leaders got to see behind the scenes in a time where shootings are more common. They added that it's about both safety and feeling comfortable at school.
"The teachers can't do their best if they are worried or they feel unsafe or they're looking around the corner so we want to make sure that we create the best environment for our staff to be able to do their best work and our students to feel safe," says APS Superintendent Gabriella Blakey.
APS showed a video that highlights key security methods, including more than 8,000 cameras, card access protections, and fencing. They also showed off the capabilities of their dispatch center which is open 24/7. "It monitors all our safety at schools within the district, everything from cameras to alarms, to card access. We can lock down card access to schools in case of an emergency," said Gallegos.
APS said they're hoping this tour will give their community more confidence in the district's safety measures.
"We want to make sure that we have protocols in place for emergencies. From everything from like fire, to weather, to any outside threats and that the students know what to do in case of emergencies, because that really is what provides us the infrastructure to make sure that we're able to respond," said Superintendent Blakey.
The APS Chief of Police said the biggest issue they respond to on campuses is students bringing guns to school. The chief said the department is also facing a staffing shortage and he encourages people to apply for security positions.