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Search-and-Rescue

About Search and Rescue

Search and Rescue (SAR) is a collateral duty that trains officers to respond to emergencies in Albuquerque's rugged terrain. When individuals become lost, stranded, or injured in dangerous areas, SAR officers bring the skills and equipment needed to save lives.

Specialty Pay: +$50 biweekly specialty pay (Search & Rescue Dive)

  • starting salary

  • typical entry

  • skill level

Search-and-Rescue

What You'll Do

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

Search-and-Rescue

Rescue Lost Individuals

Respond to calls for lost or stranded individuals in mountains, rivers, and wilderness.

Search-and-Rescue

Skills & Experience You'll Gain

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

  • Specialized training in search and rescue techniques.

  • Rope rescue, wilderness navigation, and survival skills.

  • Medical first-aid and emergency response.

  • Teamwork and adaptability in unpredictable environments.

Career Advancement

Search and Rescue

SAR is a collateral duty that gives officers life-saving skills while maintaining their primary patrol or investigative responsibilities.

Search and Rescue members are trusted with the highest-stakes missions in the field — composure and skills that carry into every assignment at APD.

Words from our officers

The call can come at any hour — but knowing that your skills can save someone's life makes every response worth it.

APD Officer Search and Rescue

Your Career Could Lead to Search and Rescue

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

Explore Your Career