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Albuquerque Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

Arrest records in Albuquerque, New Mexico are considered public documents pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), NMSA 1978, §§ 14-2-1 to 14-2-12. The Act establishes that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of public officers and employees. Law enforcement records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted under statutory provisions.

Exemptions to public disclosure may apply in cases where:

The records pertain to an ongoing investigation
Release would compromise the safety of an individual
The information contains confidential personal identifier information
The records involve juveniles
Disclosure would interfere with the judicial process

The Albuquerque Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. These records serve as documentation of law enforcement activities and provide transparency in the criminal justice system. Members of the public seeking arrest records must follow established procedures for requesting such information through the appropriate channels.

How to Look Up Albuquerque Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Albuquerque provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records. Pursuant to municipal ordinance and state law, individuals may obtain these records through the following official channels:

Online Public Access Services: The Albuquerque Police Department Records Division maintains an electronic database of arrest records. Requestors may search by name, date of arrest, or case number. A nominal fee may apply for electronic copies of records.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division in person to submit requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and fees apply for document reproduction.

Albuquerque Police Department Records Division
400 Roma Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 768-2020
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Judicial Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be accessed through the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court or other appropriate judicial entities. The court maintains records of arraignments, hearings, and case dispositions related to arrests.

Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
401 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 841-8151
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Public Records Request: Formal requests may be submitted through the City Clerk's Office under the provisions of the Inspection of Public Records Act. Requests must be submitted in writing and should include specific information to identify the desired records.

Contents of an Albuquerque Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Albuquerque Police Department contain standardized information as required by New Mexico Administrative Code 10.17.2. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory violations and/or municipal ordinances allegedly violated
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information, including:
- Booking number
- Fingerprint classification
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
Detention status and bail/bond information
Case disposition, if available
Incident report number for cross-reference

Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 29-10-7, certain personal identifier information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records to protect individual privacy. This includes social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other sensitive personal data. Law enforcement agencies are required to maintain the integrity and security of original records while providing appropriate public access.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Albuquerque

The State of New Mexico provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The Criminal Record Expungement Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 29-3A-1 to 29-3A-9, establishes the legal framework for this process in Albuquerque and throughout the state.

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

Arrests that did not result in conviction
Successful completion of conditional discharge
Convictions for which the statutory waiting period has elapsed
Arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity
Juvenile records meeting statutory criteria

The petition process requires filing with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Albuquerque residents, this is typically the Second Judicial District Court.

Second Judicial District Court
400 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 841-8400
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Petitioners must provide:

Complete identification information
Certified copies of relevant court records
Fingerprint cards for verification purposes
Filing fees (unless waived by the court)

Upon granting of an expungement order, all public records of the arrest are sealed from public inspection. Law enforcement agencies, detention centers, and courts must comply with the order by removing records from public access. However, pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 29-3A-7, certain government agencies may retain access to expunged records for limited official purposes.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

The dissemination and use of arrest records in Albuquerque are subject to various legal restrictions designed to balance public access with individual privacy rights. These restrictions are codified in state statutes and municipal ordinances.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) limits the use of arrest records for employment purposes. Employers utilizing background checks must:

Obtain written consent from the applicant
Provide notification before taking adverse action
Allow opportunity to dispute inaccurate information

Additionally, the City of Albuquerque has implemented "Ban the Box" provisions through the Promoting Employment Opportunities for People with Records ordinance (O-2019-012), which restricts when employers may inquire about criminal history during the hiring process.

Law enforcement agencies maintain discretion to withhold certain arrest information under NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1(A)(4) when disclosure would:

Reveal confidential sources or methods
Endanger an individual's safety
Interfere with ongoing investigations
Deprive a person of a fair trial

The Albuquerque Police Department follows established protocols for determining when such exemptions apply, with oversight from the City Attorney's Office to ensure compliance with state law.