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PSA Police Services officer in uniform with an Open Space Unit shoulder patch visible on the sleeve.

Open Space Unit

PROTECT ALBUQUERQUE'S
WILDERNESS AND OPEN SPACES

From mountain rescues to river calls, APD's Open Space Unit responds with specialized vehicles and training to keep the community safe in challenging environments.

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Open-Space-Unit

About the Open Space Unit

The Open Space Unit is trained to respond to emergencies in Albuquerque's unique terrain. Using airboats, ATVs, 4-wheel drive trucks, and mountain bikes, these officers provide law enforcement coverage and lifesaving rescue services in areas traditional patrol cars cannot reach.

  • starting salary

  • typical entry

  • skill level

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What You'll Do

Your day-to-day responsibilities in this specialized unit.

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Respond to Open Space Emergencies

Respond to emergencies in Albuquerque's open space areas including mountains and rivers.

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Skills & Experience You'll Gain

This assignment will develop you into an elite law enforcement professional with specialized expertise.

  • Specialized training in wilderness and water rescues.

  • Experience operating a wide range of specialized vehicles.

  • Physical conditioning for challenging terrain.

  • Adaptability in high-risk, unpredictable environments.

Career Advancement

Adventure & Purpose

Skills gained in this unit build specialized rescue and vehicle expertise that open doors to unique roles throughout your career at APD.

Open Space officers develop patrol, rescue, and environmental enforcement skills found nowhere else in the department — a truly unique path at APD.

Words from our officers

In Open Space, you never know where the next call will take you. One day you are on a mountain trail, the next you are pulling someone to safety from the river.

APD Officer Open Space Unit

Your Career Could Lead to the Open Space Unit

Take our personalized Career Exploration Tool to discover which specialized units align with your skills, interests, and career goals.

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