About Albuquerque Police Department Test

Candidates who pass the Albuquerque police department test have the honor of joining one of the most esteemed law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. Receiving a re-accreditation from CALEA in 2005, Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in the state of New Mexico, with more than 840 full-time sworn officers and close to 100 civilian personnel. Here, we learn more about the department, the Albuquerque police department test, and how you can progress onto the police academy.

Motto: “In Step with our Community”

History: Founded in 1880, Albuquerque Police Department is the oldest law enforcement agency in New Mexico. Initially policing was carried out by volunteer watchmen under the command of a patrol marshal. However, in 1916, the department started recruiting officers for full-time service. Since its founding, over 108 deputies have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Size: The Albuquerque Police Department covers an area of just over 180 square miles. The city, which has a population of close to 560,000 people, is divided into 6 geographic areas called area commands, for more efficient patrolling.

Headquarters: One Civic Plaza, Room 7057, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103

Divisions: Albuquerque department is divided into 4 main operational bureaus: field services bureau – which carries out patrolling in the city’s 6 areas of command, and works towards crime prevention; investigative bureau – which carries out criminal investigation and other special investigations; special services bureau – which is responsible for the functioning of the special units of the department; administrative bureau – which is responsible for maintenance of records, payrolls, recruitment and training of new employees.

How to become an officer: Candidates need to take the Albuquerque police department test, which comprises the City Entrance Exam – a multiple-choice test that assesses the logical and reasoning capabilities of candidates. The test contains 100 questions and a minimum score of 70 is required to qualify. This is followed by a personal history questionnaire (PHQ) and a physical ability test (PAT). The department conducts an additional written test known as the Nelson Denny Exam, which consists of 118 multiple choice questions to gauge candidates’ comprehension skills and their aptitude in grammar and vocabulary. This is followed by a thorough background check, a polygraph exam, a written psychological test, and an oral board interview. Successful candidates’ vision and hearing are then medically examined by the City Health Center.

Average salary: $53,000-$55,000 annually, rising with experience and responsibility.

Police academy: Candidates who pass the Albuquerque police department test may be enlisted into the police academy. The academy provides a holistic training to new recruits through a training program that lasts for a duration of 26 weeks. The training includes but is not restricted to classroom sessions, where basic law enforcement principles are taught and field training is conducted to impart job-related skills, such as firearms, operation of patrol vehicles, etc. Officers also go through basic diversity training and learn how to deal with tough situations with patience and respect.

Registration: applications to take the Albuquerque police department test can be found online.