Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This week on New Mexico in Focus, we take a deep dive into new public safety leadership at the City of Albuquerque. Police Chief Cecily Barker talks about her 20-year career with the Albuquerque Police Department and how she differs from the previous chief, Harold Medina. Public Safety Director Raul Bujanda talks about coordination between Albuquerque's police, fire and community safety departments. Daniel Williams, a policy advocate with ACLU of New Mexico, gives his thoughts on the city's new leaders.
Late last month, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller appointed Cecily Barker as his new police chief. Barker has spent more than 20 years on the force, has served several months as interim chief and is the first woman to hold the position. Host Nash Jones spoke with Barker about her path to the top spot. Later, Barker explains how she plans to win back the public's trust in the city's police department.
Keller also named Raul Bujanda to be the city's public safety director. Bujanda talks with Nash about the resurrected role and how his experience as an FBI agent will inform his work. Then, Bujanda breaks down why it's important for Albuquerque's police, fire and community safety departments to better coordinate their work.
For years, the New Mexico affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union has kept a close eye on the Albuquerque Police Department. Now 11 months out from federal oversight of the department ending, policy advocate Daniel Williams sat down with Executive Producer Jeff Proctor to discuss how new leadership could help uphold recent reforms.
Host:
Nash Jones
Segments:
Cecily Barker Appointed New Albuquerque Police Chief
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guest:
Cecily Barker, Albuquerque Police Chief Appointee
Raul Bujanda Named New ABQ Public Safety Director
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guest:
Raul Bujanda, Albuquerque Public Safety Director Appointee
ACLU of NM Weighs in on New Public Safety Leaders
Correspondent:
Jeff Proctor
Guest:
Daniel Williams, Policy Advisor, ACLU of New Mexico
New ABQ Director Oversees Police, Community Safety and Fire Departments
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guest:
Raul Bujanda, Albuquerque Public Safety Director Appointee
APD Chief Barker on Winning Back Public Support for Police
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guest:
Cecily Barker, Albuquerque Police Chief Appointee
0:00 Intro
2:10 Cecily Barker Appointed New Albuquerque Police Chief
14:36 Raul Bujanda Named New ABQ Public Safety Director
25:57 ACLU of NM Weighs in on New Public Safety Leaders
38:46 New ABQ Director Oversees Police, Community Safety and Fire Departments
49:26 APD Chief Barker on Winning Back Public Trust in Police
--
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This week on New Mexico in Focus, we take a deep dive into new public safety leadership at the City of Albuquerque. Police Chief Cecily Barker talks about her 20-year career with the Albuquerque Police Department and how she differs from the previous chief, Harold Medina. Public Safety Director Raul Bujanda talks about coordination between Albuquerque's police, fire and community safety departments. Daniel Williams, a policy advocate with ACLU of New Mexico, gives his thoughts on the city's new leaders.
Late last month, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller appointed Cecily Barker as his new police chief. Barker has spent more than 20 years on the force, has served several months as interim chief and is the first woman to hold the position. Host Nash Jones spoke with Barker about her path to the top spot. Later, Barker explains how she plans to win back the public's trust in the city's police department.
Keller also named Raul Bujanda to be the city's public safety director. Bujanda talks with Nash about the resurrected role and how his experience as an FBI agent will inform his work. Then, Bujanda breaks down why it's important for Albuquerque's police, fire and community safety departments to better coordinate their work.
For years, the New Mexico affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union has kept a close eye on the Albuquerque Police Department. Now 11 months out from federal oversight of the department ending, policy advocate Daniel Williams sat down with Executive Producer Jeff Proctor to discuss how new leadership could help uphold recent reforms.
Host:
Nash Jones
Segments:
Cecily Barker Appointed New Albuquerque Police Chief
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guest:
Cecily Barker, Albuquerque Police Chief Appointee
Raul Bujanda Named New ABQ Public Safety Director
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guest:
Raul Bujanda, Albuquerque Public Safety Director Appointee
ACLU of NM Weighs in on New Public Safety Leaders
Correspondent:
Jeff Proctor
Guest:
Daniel Williams, Policy Advisor, ACLU of New Mexico
New ABQ Director Oversees Police, Community Safety and Fire Departments
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guest:
Raul Bujanda, Albuquerque Public Safety Director Appointee
APD Chief Barker on Winning Back Public Support for Police
Correspondent:
Nash Jones
Guest:
Cecily Barker, Albuquerque Police Chief Appointee
0:00 Intro
2:10 Cecily Barker Appointed New Albuquerque Police Chief
14:36 Raul Bujanda Named New ABQ Public Safety Director
25:57 ACLU of NM Weighs in on New Public Safety Leaders
38:46 New ABQ Director Oversees Police, Community Safety and Fire Departments
49:26 APD Chief Barker on Winning Back Public Trust in Police
--
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support NMPBS: bit.ly/nmpbs-donate
Subscribe to the New Mexico in Focus channel for more clips: youtube.com/@nminfocus
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite NMPBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: portal.knme.org
Follow New Mexico in Focus
Instagram: instagram.com/nm_in_focus
Facebook: facebook.com/NewMexicoPBS
X: https://x.com/NMinFocus
