7-30-2024 12:27pm

Juvenile Violence Alamogordo to Albuquerque, Stakeholders Seek Solutions

Chris Edwards Editor

Juvenile violence is on the rise in large cities such as Albuquerque and small cities such as Alamogordo. New Mexico has some of the highest levels of youth violence in the nation.

In Alamogordo, and in Otero County New Mexico; the headlines continue to show youth violence snd youth victimization is on the increase. From the recent double murder in Boles Acres by a 17 year old, to the Nicholas Hubbard conviction, to the uncertain circumstances around the death of 17 year old Elijah Hadley who was shot multiple times by an Otero County Sheriff; youth crime and victimization is on the upswing.

Last years Alamogordo based rash of murders and increased incidents of violence among juveniles and by juveniles resulted in then candidate, now City Commissioner, Warren Robinson calling on city leadership to take a more proactive stance in combating violence snd crime in general.

Under the newer city manager Rick Holden, claims to be listening to the concerns from commissioners, such as Warren Robinson, and that there is now more police presence at the parks and a commitment by the Alamogordo Police to be in the parks more when school starts back up.

Mr. Holden reported at a recent commission meeting, that the city removed the pavilion at the park near the school where kids skipping school used to hang out, and has been an area of crime for the city for years. They are going to relocate the pavilion for use in another park.

Alamogordo Police Chief David Kunihiro recently reaffirmed, “We want to catch the criminals and put them away.”

The chief has said the department is looking at other ways to address crime in the community including adding civilian staff, putting an officer in Community Relations, and bringing back Neighborhood Watch Districts.

The city used to have 22 Neighborhood Watch Districts, he said, but for some reason they went away. Neighborhood watch captains communicate with police, and share information to help prevent crime. He said the police department will be posting notices about that soon.

Is that enough and should Alamogordo seek assistance from the state?

In Albuquerque, KOB reports that upon direction from the mayor and city leaders they began an effort of collaboration with the New Mexico state police to work on the reduction of juvenile violence. The state police has released some stats around that effort

NMSP say they deployed additional officers to downtown Albuquerque on Friday and Saturday. The goal is to enhance public safety and curb violence in the area.

“The recent violence in downtown Albuquerque is alarming and unacceptable. Our collaboration with the Albuquerque Police Department is essential to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of our community,” said NMSP Chief Troy Weisler in a press release. “By increasing our presence, we are sending a clear message that violence will not be tolerated.”

Here is a summary of their efforts:

Weekend #1: July 12 and July 13

127 Contacts (Traffic Stops and Consensual Encounters)
14 Citations
3 DWI Arrests
2 Medical Assist Calls
1 Warrant Arrest
3 Other Arrests
10 Other Agency Assist Calls (Assist APD/BCSO)

Weekend #2: July 19 and July 20

57 Contacts (Traffic Stops and Consensual Encounters)
21 Citations
5 DWI Arrests
3 Other Arrests

Weekend #3: July 26 and July 27

52 Contacts (Traffic Stops)
18 Citations
6 DWI Arrests
3 Other Agency Assists (Assist APD)

Alamogordo like Albuquerque and other ciries across the state are battling an epidemic of violence among youth. The effort to reduce violence, threats and improve public safety in general is not just a police issue. Violence is also a public health issue as mych violence stems around mental health services and parenting. Alamogordo as a community must take a proactive 360 Degree approach to addressing the issues of violence

100% Otero has begun the process of engaging a variety of stakeholders into the dialogue but public pressure on elected leaders and our civil institutions, schools and healthcare systems will ensure a solution that is all encompassing. We all own a responsibility, the two local news outlets, radio and individuals on social media to tone down hostile rhetoric and bring civility back into everyday life.