Channel 13 Safe City Video

ALBUQUERQUE - Emergency help will soon be just a push button away at Rapid Ride bus stops in the University and Nob Hill neighborhoods.

The Albuquerque Police Department today announced the new program intended to speed emergency response and install confidence in bus patrons.

In the coming months APD plans to install emergency buttons and cameras at six Rapid Ride stations on Central Avenue in Nob Hill.

People can run to them and push a button if they're in trouble.  It's just a small part of a new program being created by APD with the help of Target stores.

"There's concern at the bus stops," Nob Hill resident Laurie Lewis told KRQE News 13.  "There's also concern in terms of traveling around at night.

"Just some of crime that is frequented all over city is pretty prevalent around here."

That is why APD has created the Safe City Program here.

That program includes the installation of emergency kiosks with cameras at six Rapid Ride stations along Central between University and San Mateo.  Rapid Ride is the limited-stops express service using articulated red-and-white buses and specially designated bus-stop shelters.

"Anyone who feels they're threatened or they're in danger they can go to a bus stop, hit the emergency button, and we will be immediately in route," APD Chief Ray Schultz said.  "We also have the video evidence that's going to help us make sure we can hold those people that are committing the problem accountable."

Today target stores presented the city with a check for $100,000 to help pay for the new kiosks, but their involvement doesn't end there.

"We will have representative on Safe City advisory board to help encourage other businesses to come to the table," Ken Cox of Target said.

Those business owners and community members will meet with police regularly to determine which areas need help and how to help them.

"We want everyone to feel comfortable walking around in the neighborhood day and night," Jim Nelson, one of those community members, said.  "We want businesses to prosper."

The city says Nob Hill residents like Nelson will make this program a success.

"It's an area that there are a lot of new businesses coming online, a lot of small restaurants and cafes," Schultz said.  "It's a neighborhood that is committed making a difference in changing the quality of life."

APD plans to spread this program throughout the city although right now it's being treated as somewhat of a pilot program.

The city hopes to have the kiosks up and running within five months.

Reporter:  Kim Vallez | Web Producer:  Bill Diven