Albuquerque Names First Female Police Chief, New Public Safety Director

Cecily Barker has been appointed as the new chief of the Albuquerque Police Department, becoming the first woman to lead the department on a permanent basis. The announcement was made Tuesday by Mayor Tim Keller, following a three-month search and extensive community input. Barker, a 20-year veteran of law enforcement, had been serving as the APD’s interim chief since Harold Medina’s retirement in late December. Keller emphasized the importance of selecting a leader with “New Mexico experience” during an early March forum, a criterion Barker fulfills as a lifelong resident of Albuquerque. “We all want a safer Albuquerque,” Barker stated during a news conference. “Moving forward, we are building on that shared goal. We will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards, strengthen trust with the community and stay focused on results.” The city’s search for a new police chief involved a $55,000 contract with Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc., though only $55,000 of the potential $100,000 was ultimately spent. The search initially identified three finalists: Dallas police Assistant Chief Gilberto Garza, Barker, and former Seattle assistant police chief Perry Tarrant. Alongside the appointment of Barker, Mayor Keller announced the creation of a new position, Public Safety Executive Director, and named Raul Bujanda to fill the role. Bujanda recently retired as the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque office, bringing over 27 years of law enforcement experience to the position. He will oversee the Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, and the Albuquerque Community Safety Department. Bujanda’s appointment is intended to improve coordination between the three public safety departments, a goal highlighted by APD spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos, who noted the success of the Albuquerque Community Safety department and the require to build on that momentum. A similar position existed in 2009 under Mayor Richard Berry, held by Darren White. Bujanda acknowledged the challenges ahead, referencing a past corruption scandal involving APD officers and defense attorneys illegally dismissing DWI charges. He stated the scandal allowed the department to address issues with a tiny number of officers, emphasizing that the vast majority of the force acts with integrity. Barker indicated her intention to build upon the standards established through a years-long settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which followed a 2014 finding of a pattern and practice of excessive force by APD officers. She too highlighted a focus on addressing open-air drug use as a key priority. Both Barker and Bujanda will undergo a confirmation process with the City Council. Their salaries are currently under negotiation. Barker has already begun her duties as police chief, while Bujanda will assume his role on April 4, reporting to Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Samantha Sengel. Keller stated he had considered creating the Public Safety Executive Director position since the beginning of his first term, but waited until finding the right candidate. He specifically sought someone with law enforcement experience but not directly from within APD. Former Chief Medina had previously expressed support for Barker as his successor, having served as her sergeant early in her career. However, Barker indicated she intends to implement her own leadership style.