Divisions

What's the difference between an APS Police Officer and Campus Service Aides?

APS Police Officers are certified by the State of New Mexico and are commissioned by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. APS Police Officers investigate criminal activity from petty larcenies to the most violent crimes at all APS sites. The easiest way to tell the difference between an officer and a CSA is by their uniform. APS Police Officers wear a dark navy blue uniform.

Campus Service Aides are required to complete a training session by an APS Police Sergeant. This training includes how and when to use mace and handcuffs, and proper report writing techniques. Campus Services Aide's (CSA's) assist the Police Officers.

School Services

The School Service Divisions are stationed at High Schools and Middle Schools throughout the district. Being stationed at the school allows the Sergeants, Officers, and CSAs to become familiar with students and staff and to develop a professional relationship with them.

The primary focus of the School Services Division is the safety of students and staff on campus which they provide through:

• Mediation
• "START"
• Assisting with proper lockdown procedures
• Implementing lockdowns or evacuations

Field Services

Field Services personnel are in charge of patrolling the entire school district. They typically respond to calls for service at schools that don't have staff from the School Services division.

Field Services also provides back-up for School Services when a large disturbance occurs. Field Services units patrol the district 24 hours a day, all year round.

Investigations

The Investigations Division works the entire district and provides follow-up to the more in-depth and complex criminal cases. They investigate the scene, and check evidence such as review video tapes to try to identify the offender. Officers interview suspects and witnesses in order to process their cases and turn their findings over to the District Attorney. 

Communications

The Communications Division receives all incoming calls to School Police and dispatches officers to calls. During emergencies, the dispatchers are also responsible for communicating and coordinating with other APS departments, the Albuquerque Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, and other organizations.

Administrative

The Administrative Division is responsible for processing and entering police reports into Sleuth and the Violence and Vandalism Database, which is reported to the New Mexico Public Education Department each fiscal year. All report requests must be made through the Administrative Division.