Albuquerque is becoming known for rising crime rates, insufficient APD manpower, and over specialization of the APD officers that are on the pay roll. The result has been increasing pressure by citizens, politicians and your ever lovable Eye to increase the number of sworn officers out there protecting us. The mayor's and APD's response has been to fudge the numbers and lower the standards.
You've probably heard about the rape allegations against officer David Maes (ABQ Journal - Subscription). We all remember the recent trial of fired APD Officer Timothy Chavez whose trial ended in a mistrial and Attorney General Gary King has since decided not to re-file the charges (ABQ Journal - Subscription). For the uninitiated, a mistrial means that the jury failed to reach agreement on the charges brought by the state and the defendant is free to go unless the DA decides to re-try the case.
A story that has not made the papers is the story of Officer Levi Chavez. Chavez is a lateral officer from the Los Lunas Police Department. According to our eyes officer Chavez's wife discovered that her husband was having an affair. Tragically, her response was to take her own life.
Normally we wouldn't be talking about a suicide. It's always a shame when someone takes their own life and we apologize for even bringing it up. However according to our Eyes, Mrs. Chavez's untimely death lead to an investigation and an authorized search of the Chavez residence; a search that uncovered a substantial amount of marijuana and the paraphernalia required to make use of the afore mentioned illegal substance.
Of course Officer Chavez denies knowing anything about the stash and you can guess who he threw under the bus. We hasten to remind you that everyone even police officers, are innocent until proven guilty and we really hope that APD's badges aren't being used to hide some fairly despicable individuals. We also firmly believe that most sworn officers at APD are honest, hard-working, and most importantly honorable.
However, we're concerned that we continue to hear allegations of rape, drug possession, and theft (remember the Evidence Room) and the allegations involve the very people that have sworn to protect the rest of us from rapists, drug dealers, and thieves.
The Eyes have it that the allegations against Officer Maes aren't the first indications of problems with the officer. In fact, we're told that there were even problems with his pre-hire polygraph. Similarly, our Eyes tell us that when APD in essence raided the Los Lunas Police Department, they managed to scoop up some officers from a department that didn't exactly have a sterling law enforcement reputation.
It's true... we need more officers ON THE STREET. (Nothing prevents crime better than seeing officers early and often.) But it seems as if APD is simply looking for someone with a pulse to put behind a badge in order to reach the magic number of 1100 officers. In other words they're willing to accept officers from the bottom of the barrel; that's not good for the department and it's not good for the city.
Here's a suggestion, treat the officers you have well. Reward them for their service and for working hard. And most importantly, pay them to do a job that is hard enough without having to wade through the river of political crap that seems to flow incessantly from the 5th floor.
97 comments:
Everyone knows that Schultz and his DC's will hire anyone just to add a number to APD's dept. They have been told time and again that what they are doing will cause major problems in the future within APD, about five years. Their response is that they don't give a dam, as they will not be here when all the major problems surface from the bad hiring.
Schultz tries to get credit for all the officers that he is firing, but the real truth is that he is just clearing out all the bad officers that they have rushed through the APD process. These officers did not even make the five year mark! Media, do the research. Check and see how much time these officers have on.
The eye has it right. IF APD's admin would treat the officers APD has with respect and dignity, pay them what they are worth, they would see a turn around in morale and numbers. Everyone won't be in a hurry to get out the door of APD.
Above all, APD's administration MUST stop lowering its standards just to get 1100 officers. Stop fudging the numbers, recruiting staff have stated themselves that they will never be able to get the 1100 officers or keep up with the constant flow of officers leaving!
The mayor's office does nothing to stop this bad hiring!
Morale is the lowest its ever been on APD. The EYE should do a poll just to see what morale is like on APD, as APD's admin does not think they have a problem. They think it's just a few officers bitching, but it's about 85-90% of the officers.
Do the poll on APD's morale..
Can someone please tell me how a "WELL" or "BETTER" paid officer becomes a "Harder worker,Better worker, more Honorable, Higher Moral Fiber, etc. etc.". When someone can make a reasonable argument and back it up in relation to "BETTER PAY" that would be great. The NFL players Union has "Hard workers, Better Players, Honorable Players, etc. etc., and they still have their share of public image nightmares and off the field problems. Point is pay has absolutely nothing to with someones moral fiber or work ethic either you got or you don't.
Hey let's not forget the 4 officers fired by NMSP for double billing the taxpayers including an officer who also shot a man in the back during a failed drug sting. Marty, Schultz and Co. has turned them loose in Abq.
Officers with wives dying under unusual circumstances is not new to New Mexico and especially not to Valencia County. But they are given a free pass by prosecutors, judges, co-workers and influential friends in high places.
It would seem that when it comes to law enforcement, its not only assaults that we share in common with New Orleans. Corruption too.
When will the other issues surface?
Like E.S's allegations of rape
(Ms.Vasquez), P.C.'s drawing a gun to girlfriends head while in uniform and in the office on the 5th floor. And,most importantly, who was the high ranking official who ordered Ben Kirby to let the snake(Daskalos) out of the cage? Let's clean this mess up before we bring in more of the same problems
Now we learn in the paper and the news media today, that New Mexico, is second only to Louisiana for assalts against officers. Could this rise in these assalts have anything to do with allowing illegal aliens to reek havoc on our community? Bill richardson and Marty Chavez allow this to continue as they need their ILLEGAL votes to win elections. They don't care who gets killed by these MFers, or how often they rob or steal or drain our resources, ie, welfare, free hospitalization, unemployment benefits, etc)
Then, they are allowed to get drivers licsences, go vote, and contibute not one dime in taxes to make up for all the free stuff they can take OR STEAL.
Tulsa, Oklahoma just passed a law to oughst all of these freeloading assholes. Kansas, Colorado, Arkansas will surely follow suit and do the same thing. So where will they go? You guessed it, New Mexico, because we are an 'open city' declared by our mayor.
We need politicians who will say "NO" to this bullshit, and let the cops thump the shit out of these illegal shit bags and send them back to where ever they came from, whether it be Mexico , Argentina, Equidore,Iran, Russia, or any other third world piss hole they came from.
Maybe we ought to send our politicians packing with them.
Don't forget Marco Nanez, who raped a woman on duty. And that new officer Chris LNU (last name unknown) who is doing time for raping women on car stops. Then we have the officer who shot his step dad and got indicted. The officer who drove recklessly and killed a grandmother just sitting in her backyard. That is just off the top of my head.
I got an idea for the EYE. How about listing the officers in the last 10 years, who got in trouble for committing crimes and the number of years they had on. Include crimes from when they were at other departments (the NMSP guys for one group) That would be interesting reading. Just how many of our "Finest" are really nothing more than crooks with badges?
APD should do that hair drug test on Officer Chavez. It is my understanding that marijuana can be tested for in strands of hair. If you used in the last two years your hair will tell the story.
Will APD's top brass order it? They certainly have the administrative cause for it. But if this guy comes back dirty it would be another blow to their image. My money is nothing will happen.
Sooo to the second posters question? How does more pay for said amount of officers Equal BETTER OFFICERS? By paying you more does not change the recruiting pool one bit. You pay more you get more applicants but you still have that many more applicants that "CAN" or "WILL" get by whatever checks and balances you have in place. I think APD would be best served by just asking for a raise and leaving it at that, when you try and equate better pay with better candidates it doesn't add up all you will have is a very well paid highly compensated officer on paid administrative leave for whatever said crime, infraction or what have you.
Nicely put! I'm all for paying officers more for what they do and provide. With that said let's say we (Voters) gave the officers a 20% pay increase for all the reasons APD states they need it for. Staying competitive with other depts.,Recruiting, retention, moral, living conditions, work conditions and on and on and on. Can WE the (VOTERS) ask for a reduction in officers pay when there is a rash of rapes, wrecks (resulting in death), multiple lawsuits against officers for misconduct/improper conduct resulting millions of dollars in payouts, and all the other stuff that reflects bad on APD and cost us taxpayers more money? It cuts both ways guys. Think about what you are asking for before thumping your chest and demanding more. Nobody made you sign up and become an officer you chose to. So your pay should not make you a better officer or harder worker. Keep up the good work and remember Nov. 08' will be here before you know it!
I agree that the pay should be inline with the job. A more important factor is the political corruption within the department. When that is cleaned up good applicants will lineup. When the city gets to a system in which the mayor doesn't own the chief,or the chief has a set of balls, the department will grow.
" ...pay has absolutely nothing to with someones moral fiber or work ethic either you got or you don't."
More pay; larger pool of applicants.
Larger pool of applicants, the greater the likelihood of finding the number of "good" ones you need.
The problem, if the organization is corrupt; hiring good cops won't change things on the large scale.
I am a little disappointed in the police officers union. They could be doing the polls that would substantiate one way or the others how the beat cops feel about their leadership; and aren't
Once again the EYE has brought to light some interesting & extremely enlightening facts to the surface! Thanks EYE & keep up the good work with your investigative reporting! Give yourself the much deserved raise that APD never seems to get, at least someone will get one.
Can we move this topic off of pay raises and back to the questionable cops we currently have! I would not give some of these laterals any pay raise. I know that is throwing the baby out with the bath water, but APD has hired so many bad laterals that until they clean house I say NO to pay raises.
You will not get a better quality of applicant without more money, but more money will not guarantee that the better applicant will apply. Consider, you are a young man or women interested in pursuing a law enforcement career. To that end you continued your education beyond high school and obtained a two or four year degree in criminal justice. Why would you be interested in joining a force that only requires a GED, and says you can't have used illegal drugs within the past 3 years (2 years for pot), and similar time frames for DWI's and domestic violence,and no felony convictions. Given the predilection of our DA to plea bargin down virtually any offense for a "conviction", it's an open question as to whether there are more gang members on the street or on the force.
You can't have pay raises for some and not others. Either you are all one Force, a Band of Brothers or you are not. One for all, and all for one. Wich one is it? Pay raise for some and not others or pay raise for all? When APD knows what it wants maybe they should ask then.
Besides a lot of off topic stuff the original article does not address that the entire dept subject to random testing at all times. Marijuana is fat soluable and thus stays in the body a lot longer than other drugs... any idiot knows this and we were taught in in basic academy drug classes so I assume this guy knows it as well. There is CAUSE to test him so they will test him per SOP. I drew randoms at least 3 times a year for over a decade b4 I retired Im sure these laterals do too...
I think that police and fire are grossly underpaid. As soon as the country sets a national minimum standard for police and fire, and as soon as it comes with public oversite give them a raise.
This is a supply and demand issue at its very basic. Not just anybody is going to cut it in law enforcement in general and in New Mexico in particular. The fact remains that if you don't have people applying despite lowered/broader standards than what do you do to increase the applicant pool and retain your existing personnel?
You people that blog "NO" to everything its time to step up with something positive besides your usual contrarian rhetoric. Not having police in this city is not an option even though you talk like it is.
I sure hope you are right that they spend the money and do a good drug test on this lateral. There is plenty of administrative cause for this action and cost should not be an issue. Not when Marty wants to spend a million a year for a panda.
I do support Police/Fire. I think what they do is great for all of us, but I don't think just because you graduated high school and stayed out of trouble until you turned 21 passed an entrance exam to the Police/Fire depts. you should make 80 thousand dollars a year. If you want a job that has tremendous monetary upside. Do like the rest of did and go to college and get a degree and become something other than what you are willing to settle for. Every job has it's ceiling for potential income earnings, and Police/Fire is one of them. Sorry no sympathy here. Go to school. That is exactly what you would say to a high school dropout working at McDonald's. Turn about is fair play. Don't like what you make as an officer/firefighter? You can always quit.
A lot of excellent points. What gets me is that APD HAD!!!, over 100 years or more Tradition-Pride-Honor and more important Respect & Integrity. I guess for the most part the majority still are.
100 years totally compromised by two individuals, it took these 2 s-itheads almost 16 years to just about totally distroy APD. Martin Chavez and Jim Baca. It's no secret that they don't like Police Officers peroid... All the criminal activity in city hall & APD/Sheriff building if you have any moral fiber should make you throw up. Both of these clowns never gave APD what it needed to do the job and remain competitive with recruitment, thats why APD has dropped to 5th on the overall pay state wide.
Martin Chavez said and I know this as I was one of the many city employee's head hostage at the State of the City address that he puts "law enforcement at the top of his agenda" BULLS-IT !!!
I use to work on the DWI unit from 91' till about 93' not as an Officer but as support. It was about in 92' when APD managment started going down hill fast and has never and probably will never recover..
I said all that to say this,When you have criminals as your leadership and their is no accountability. I don't think anyone at APD can lead by example because they have and it is what it is !!!
To all APD 34's hang in there and don't compromise youself. Even if you don't like one another 82 each other.. You guys are divided big time and the 11th floor is masturbating over it. Don't let Marty control you, vote him out in NOV. Well I don't know, the citizens of Abq must like to take it in the rearend because WE HAVE NO ONE Mayor of City Counselors that back Law Enforcement in any way...STAY STRONG PD.....
APD has not lowered any standards, actually they exceed the state minimiums. See who BCSO, AFD,Aviation, Sandoval County Corrales, Rio Rancho and the NMSP have hired. I will tell you, people who APD rejected. APD has no problem getting rid of bad apples, they always have. Every department has people who slip through the cracks. APD had Davis, Griffin, Chavez and others. BCSO had Burt, Sanchez, Rolfs and others. NMSP has had too many to mention. The EYE can try to blame the Mayor, Chief, Sheriff or any one of a host of others...but the fact remains that APD spends alot of time and money selecting only the people who appear to be the best. If they were hiring everyone who applied they would have their 1100. They reject a whole lot of applicants. So just shut up and let them do their job. They will protect you and your family NO questions asked. You can sleep soundly because APD is out there doing a job that most sorry ass people wont. So EYE, if you want to do something, support the APD, dont bash them. There are no conspiracies out there, only a whole lot of great men and women doing what you can't or won't do. As for the disgruntled ones who write here. Please dont let the door hit you on the ass on your way out.
I can't believe the above post. I am a citizen and I am disgusted with the laterals and some of the recruits we have recently hired. Pull your head out and look around you. We had a young cop doing pen time for raping women on car stops! Yep that should make the community feel safe. We had another young cop run down an old women, this at minimum shows just how unprepared he was to safely do his job. How about 4 NMSP officers who were accused of a 4th degree felony and APD hired them! DON"T BASH! What freaking cartoon world are you living in! Don't tell me not to air my complaints, APD has big problems and the only way they will get it fixed is if places like the EYE put them on the front page.
Don't bash those who point out what is going on until you fix the problems. Maybe you should be the one heading out the door, because if you can't see what is happening we don't need you.
Once again. You are deflecting and pointing fingers at others. Stop bashing S.O., A.F.D., NMSP, and any others you mentioned. APD clearly has its share of problems. Don't pound your chest and demand a raise from us and tell us that APD owns non of its problems and they are all someone elses. I don't work for APD and have no ties to the "EYE". I was born at night just not last night.
Standards have not been lowered! Its true the rejected applicants from APD always reapply at smaller departments who dont have the same resources to weed out the bad apples. If we have rejected so many but still some get through imagine the problem officers who work at other departments that didn't make it to APD.
God help Sandoval County! oh wait aren't they run by a rapist, stalking, womanizing Sheriff! Recently the media ran a story about one of their female deputies getting raped by some of her fellow deputies. Case in point, all departments have their problems!
Last posts are correct. APD management refuses to think that they have problems, there bury their heads in the sand. During Chief's staff and management meetings they tell each other how great they are. Well,,, it's bull shit!
They must fix the morale problem. they claim they have not lowered standards, then why did they have recruiters calling all the people that have been rejected for pasted academy classes and then hire most of them?
Sounds like the standards have changed to me! They will do anything for numbers.
The recruiters will even verify this if they trust you.
APD's 5th floor is politically corrupt!
The mayor knows this, just like he knew that Chief Gallegos was corupt. dating those evidence room girls and letting them steal money and drugs. He still would not fire him right away because he thought it would make him look bad.
Marty knew from the start that Chief gallegos was dirty.
I wont even go into Nick bakas who really screwed up APD!
The eye is a great tool to get information out. APD brass can't stand the fact that the public knows what they are doing. That's why you can no longer get in on an APD computer. However, we see APD brass reading this site every day.
above commenter; aren't you the guy who is so obsessed with Don Schrader's urine?
What ever happened to accountability, someone please grow a set of balls and say yes we fucked up; we’re working on the problem. Tonight on the news, APS says the dropout study is flawed, a few weeks back the chief says the FBI stats are misleading because “people in Albuquerque report crime too often” give me a break. Someone please sack up fix the problems, and prevent Albuquerque from becoming the next New Orleans, Houston or insert whatever other city you want that has turned into a third world shithole.
"Don't like what you make as an officer/firefighter? You can always quit."
You're absolutely right but it's totally irrelevant. This is starting to sound like a mantra:
IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE CITY PAYS OFFICERS IF IT'S NOT COMPETITIVE!!!
Some posters here are saying standards aren't being modified...given that recent academy classes have looked like the size of small squad you're probably being honest. But the facts remain that this department is not growing in size, is not attracting top candidates, and is not retaining existing officers at alarming rates. Many are taking heed to the advice offered by the poster of the above quote and are moving on to better paying depts/agencies. If I'm wrong, please prove it to me and I'll buy you lunch.
For the readers that are shaking their heads and saying "damn lazy overpaid cops" open up your eyes and look at the numbers yourself. Find out what departments don't have hiring issues and who do. Find out where they are and why they don't have challenges. Find out what are the social barometers that result an increase in violent in-progress crime. All departments have problems and all will because they are staffed by these things called human beings.
I had a call within the last few weeks where a guy was in the drive-thru at McDonald's. A guy comes up to him, asks for money, and then jumps into the passenger seat and puts a gun to the driver's head. He makes the driver drive him around town before dropping him off and taking his car. This guy broke down and bawled like a child when I put my hand on his shoulder and said it was over and he's OK. He said I was wrong and that he was not OK. He was right and I was indeed wrong. This was not some dumb gang banger getting victimized by some other idiot but just some straight citizen who's life just got turned upside down, who will have PTSD, and is out of a car.
We're not upset with our pay. We're fed up with the dishonesty and lack of support from the policy makers of this city. The citizens deserve a hell of lot better and so does that poor guy that only had me to look at for help.
The 5th floor is paid extremely well!!! They all make six figures.
John Walsh is paid Capt's wages just for talking on camera. He does not have to risk his life. Not bad for a guy that retired as a patrolman. Thank Schultz for that!
Schultz however, won't help the officers who bust their ass everyday for him...........
He does not even say hi or great job!
You said, “Every job has it’s ceiling for potential income earnings,” and I could not agree with you more. However, that is my point exactly. Raise the national standard of police and fire by requiring college degrees and then increase accountability through public oversight. The demands being placed on these services is such that increased minimum standards are necessary. What are all those people going to college for criminal justice going to do with their degrees? Go write for CSI?
To those of you bashing APD officers. Yes, I could use my degree or my experience as a military officer to get a much higher paying job. I could go to a higher paying department or Federal Law Enforcement. However, I choose to stay here and protect the citizens of Albuquerque. I, like 99% of the officers on the force, am a good cop. Whether you give us a raise or not, we will be out there protecting you tonight.
Above poster -- THANK YOU, I'm in the same (similar) boat or at least was until I retired last year. I too stayed here because its my home town and I wanted to do something decent for my community. I had been recruited by a federal agency but stayed here in spite of the pay. In retirement I make at least twice as much in my new job but it does not have the same feeling of accomplishment.
The nay-sayers will always run this town and run their mouths but they dont sign up to be in harms way. Those of us who do will always be subject to their envy.
You guys cry about pay and you cry about the mayor however, everytime he runs for any office, he always has APD's endorsement. Your endorsement means something, don't treat it with such disrespect and then complain about your situation. You know how bad he has always screwed you and you keep getting fooled. You will do it again! The Mayor plays you guys like a fiddle. You go to sleep with dogs, you wake up with flees. Who's fault is that? You need to get control of your union leadership and back an honest guy. Every honest guy that could give Marty a run for his money has had his head handed back to him for their trouble, with the help of APD.
APD is a great department and has great people. Period.
KREQ just reported that the officer that this post originally talked about was having an affair with another APD officer.
KRQE also reported that his wife used his department gun to commit suicide.
They said some marijuana was found at his house.
This is sad. I hope all you guys and gals who fool around on your spouses realize the pain that you cause to your family's. Hold yourself to that higher standard you always talk about. Hold your fellow officers to the higher standard too.
yup , just saw the story on KRQE's website! And the hits just keep on comin',,,,,,,,
If the adultery is true I wonder if there is an ethics code for APD that has been violated? Yes I know from some of the older posts, past DCOPS violated this all the time. Doesn't APD have the same rules that the military has regarding adultery?
"Raise the national standard of police and fire by requiring college degrees and then increase accountability through public oversight"
Wake the fuck up. APD has sooooo much oversight it exceeds being ridiculous (IA, POC, & IRO for starters). National standard??? Like what "No Cop Left Behind"? That's too funny. Hmmmm we have a problem with poor leadership so let's create a new agency to provide certification that's ratified by people who don't have a clue about the profession they're empowered to oversee???? Brilliant. Then let's just assume that because somebody had a college degree they'll be better police officers. I have an advanced degree and I can tell you I've learned more from guys that don't have degrees than from anybody else. The only thing that makes a person a good police officer is time, experience, and being around other good cops--period.
Several posts up....You hit the nail on the head! APD's Union keeps voting Marty in.. The pasted APD Union Presidents are in it for themselves, ie, Remmington and WORSTED, LAWERENCE TORRES, who sold himself to the devil. He is a traitor to all APD Officers by all standards and is lower than a snake!!!!
He sold all the APD Officers down the river for a job on the 11th floor paying double his previous income. The guy does not even qualify for the job with his high school education.
Torres has no ethics and should be run out of town for what he has done.
APD's current Union is in the pocket of Ray Schultz. Schultz pulls their strings. Your union is a joke and APD Officers are paying their dues for not! Your union is not on the side of the officers, but on the side that will get them jobs and increase their well-being only.
APD should just get rid of their union and give themselves a small raise from the wasted dues money they pay.
Look at how good the fire union is. All the fire personnel get raises, not just the chiefs!
I dare you to show me that I am wrong about your union. What have they done for any officers except themselves!!!!!!!!!
Have you even heard from them lately?
Wake up APD!!!!!!!!
Just read today's Journal and see two more of APD's finest are now wanted in Arkansas for battery.
As a citizen I don't feel safe.
his is not an indictment of all Albuquerque Police officers, but one must wonder who Chief Schultz is hiring when in just the last couple years we have had an officer convicted of raping women during car stops. A number of officers who have been arrested for DUI. A suicide that is suspicious in nature, with drugs present, and caused by infidelity among APD officers. An officer who kills a grandmother because of his poor driving. An officer who is charged with killing his step father. Two officers who are wanted in Arkansas for beating two men, A vice officer who admits to sex with an underage teen. The hiring of four officers who were terminated or about to be terminated by NMSP for allegations of committing a fourth degree felony. A officer who was arrested for child abandonment. So many questionable lateral officers that there is just not enough space to list the reasons. If this is Chief Schultz's idea of hiring the finest then I think we need to hire a new chief.
Did you read the article about the Arkansas incident? The officers were stopped by the police, questioned, and released. For a battery that did not occur in their presence? And now a warrant surfaces? Something is hinky there!
And leave it to the Chief to immediately condemn the officers.
"Incidents like this are not fair to the other thousand-plus officers who work their tail off every day to make our community safer," Schultz said. "I am very disappointed."
It is this level administrative support that is driving the morale of the department into the ground!
I agree these two officers are very upstanding. What ever happened to inocent until proven guilty. Ray wouldn't say this if it was a DCOP. Hell it would never see the light of day!!
Whatever happened to being smart enough not to go boozing after you pin on a badge? Whatever happened to not fooling around with another persons spouse?
The two officers in the fight should have been smart and mature enough to stay out of bars. How about giving your brothers in blue in Arkansas the benefit of the doubt that they know more about this than you do?
Here are two things that every officer should learn. Booze and adultery always lead to trouble and I don't feel sorry for anyone who gets into trouble doing it.
Have some ethics and morals!
Well, what ever happended out in Arkansas. Schultz should at least give his officers some respect until they are proven otherwise. Sounds like Schultz has these two guys guilty before they even go to court!
I feel sorry for them, as their IA case already sounds like your chief has found them guilty.
APD does need a new chief that will wait before he chops the heads of his officers.
You're right,if it had been a DCOP, no one would have heard anything about it and the case would have went away.
Once again, Schultz has sent his officers down the river without them being proven guilty!!!
So you are on your own time and get jumped and ''hometowned'' by the bar staff in another state and you employer here has what to do with it?? No way that this can even be an IA case it has nothing to do with the dept. or their being "under color of law"
Ray Boy thinks he can control everything.
ENOUGH of bashing APD officers!!! ENOUGH--It's admin. you all need to be bashing.
APD officers are good people, hard working, competent, intelligent, civic-minded and very proactive in helping all of us!!!
Ronzone in particular is a stand-up guy and Schultz needs to have these guys backs instead of jumping to conclusions!
Why doesn't he have their backs? Why is this city full of illegals, why does APD have to friggin' apoligize to war protesters??
Get real, get rid of Schultz, fix APOA. Why can't Schultz tell the media to f'off (or at least don't say anything) when they ask him stupid questions instead of bashing his officers?
APD officers are great people and personally as a civilian and citizen of Albuquerque I'm glad we have them!
You said it for all of us!!!! Ray should shut the F...up and stop saying what he thinks Marty wants to hear. Grow a set and be a man for just once in your pissy life. All the good commanders have left us. We have to deal with the ones that won't say what is right and wrong and just want to kiss As.. (Fourth floor capt).
Schultz's quote speaks for itself. You are all guilty until proven innocent (that is unless you are an illegal alien...then its don't ask, don't tell)
AMATEUR HOUR ALL THE WAY AROUND!!!!
I'm the one that's very disappointed.
Schultz doesn't care about anyone expect who is up his butt. He never backs anyone up and only listens to one side of every story. He loves civilian managers, officers and detectives who are liers, thieves and totally unqualified for their jobs. You can't imagine how many certain females sworn and unsworn, who do crap and get away with murder because Schultz looks the other way and protects them. When is it going to stop.
Schultz should not publicly comment on personnel matters. All he should have done is state the officers are on admin duties until the case is done.
Now I am not a Schultz fan, but to the poster who thinks that if you are an officer and go to another town and get in a bar fight. Your agency has every right to be involved. Read your SOP and your Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
I am not saying these guys are innocent or guilty. I am just saying APD has every right and MUST investigate this. The only thing done wrong is Schultz's comments. Even if the investigation shows these guys screwed up, you don't pander to the media. Just give out the discipline and keep your mouth shut. Remember what Schultz said about the female officer who the base arrested? He should not be making those public comments.
"Six witnesses were listed on the police report, including a Renee Beshears, who is a Fort Smith police dispatcher."
This is from the Albuquerque Trib.
Don't drink and drive. Don't drink and carry a badge. It will cost you.
Let me first say that I will always support the police. However, just as it's always been in the past, the police are their own worst enemy. I have to agree with some things that others are posting here. Maybe it is as some say and that most Albuquerque Police Officers are hard working, dedicated and civic-minded. However, the things that private citizens are reading in the paper and hearing on television don't help the plight of APD.
When a person chooses to become a police officer, that person also chooses to give up certain things. Like it or not, you may no longer be able to go to a bar with friends. You may no longer have the luxury of thinking that cheating on your spouse is okay. I have friends who are police officers with APD who don't have any problem admitting this kind of behavior to me.
Most private citizens want to support you, but some accountability must be had. You guys have to carry yourself above reproach always, not just when your in uniform. Wheather your administration supports you or not, private citizens will not put up with the behavior currently ongoing.
It does not matter weather it's just a "few bad apples." You're all wearing the same badge. Demand more accountability of yourselves, and you'll get the support you need.
Fuck what all you people think. I know Carter from high school and he has always been upstanding. The public loves to judge. Carter hold your head up high and fight this shit to the fullest. People make mistakes even if you are an officer. Don't come at me with the highter standard bullshit. The voters don't even demand it from the people they vote in office. They keep voting em' in. Russel keep your head up and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I still think your are innocent until proven guilty. I also believe that humans make mistakes. Fuck all you judgemental people who pass judgement to make your life seem better. No i'm not an officer either.
Several posters up mentioned that standards have not been lowered for hiring at APD. This is completely false. I know because I work in and have worked in recruiting and backgrounds for several years. The minimum state standards the poster refers to are for physical requirments, standardized testing, and misdemeanor / DWI convictions. APD is not hiring people that have violated these standards because state law won't allow them. They do have discretion however, on whether to hire people that admit to commitiing any type of crime imaginable, but just happened to not be prosecuted. APD does hire people and lateral officers with horrible backgrounds and past job performance. It is the chief selection process that is the most troubling part as it is apparent that the numbers game has bled down form the 11th floor to the point that the 5th floor has no desire to do what is right anymore. It is true that they do send some horrible applicants packing, but they too often let in candidates that are worse than the ones they turn down or let in people they know will never succeed in training. This is a dis-service to everyone---the cadet, the staff, the Dept etc.--- Even more troubling is that it IS who you know that will better your chances on getting in. Even if it includes smoking dope while a APD employee prior testing for APD, or having the chief or his DC's conduct their own process that violates hiring policy and let someone test that has used felony drugs within the prohibited time frame only because they know or are related to high ranking officers. This has happened and the people in recruiting and background know it has. If you know someone well in those units, ask them yourselves. The truth is that APD has also taken people that were thrown out of BCSO's process and Rio Rancho's process---most people think that those agencies take people we turn down---the facts are that we have taken more of their rejects than they have ours--again ask those doing the work and they will tell you. Whenever these new hires are in trouble seriously or eventually terminated, you can almost always find something in their files that should've been a clue that they would be a problem employee---for eample many they have hired have had numerous problem at their previous employment including harassment, multiple terminations, and other indicators of poor work performance---some have also had relationship issues that either involved DV or harassment issues, criminal allegations, employee theft, etc.---again, if they had any convictions they would be automatically excluded by state law, but if they did it and admit it, but their was not conviction, there exists that discretion area for the selectors to pick them or not. That is why ultimatley, the chief should bear all responsibility for the hiring decisions based on the information provided to him. The Buck stops with him.
You know what, I think given all of the comments the illustrious chief has made I think he's going to run for mayor. Why else would he constantly be pandering to the public???
Also, officers are ACCUSED of misconduct all of the time, especially by those on the losing end of misconduct. Regardless of what the accusations are that hit the paper (like that lends any credibility) on any officer remember that they are only that ACCUSATIONS. If the newspaper and TV didn't have APD to kick around they'd have no content for their medium.
Adrienne Jewell, Ben Kirby, Tim Chavez, David Maes, Most recent APD officers all fired this year alone. None of these were laterals! So are the problems with lateral officers or all officers in general? It doesn't seem to be a problem with numbers as the above poster stated its a problem with the personal ethics of each and every applicant.
"its a problem with the personal ethics of each and every applicant" A little bit of a generalization don't you think?
Yes, because it is a general problem with APD. Laterals are the natual scapegoats because of the reporting that's been done in the papers on their shady pasts. However, Timothy Chavez was not a lateral. Neither were the two involved in the alleged battery. Nor was the infamous Matt Griffin.
If the poster a couple up thinks that using explitives and dropping a few "F" bombs is going to convince the public otherwise, he's absolutely wrong. To the contrary, it only helps to solidify the impression the public already has of police in general. That of unprofessional, unethical badge wearing thugs who are no better than the criminals they're paid to control.
Prove to the public that you're better than what you're letting on. It can only help you.
Good post, but Matt Griffin came to APD from the NMSP. Other than that one error you make great points.
If Matt ever gets out on parole with Schultz bring him back as a lateral???????????
Chief Schultz has continued to hurt APD. Gil Gallegos ran this dept through the mud and now Schultz has dropped the morale and operation and credibility of the APD to the lowest it's ever been.
Mayor Chavez, wake up and fire this guy before the damage gets worse. We know you and your staff don't agree with the job Schultz is doing.
Where have you ever seen a dept in so much termoil, New Orleans!!!!!!Guess what, APD is not far behind..
Look at how much better BCSO is run. Everyone loves Sherrif White and his dept, including the public and media.
Mayor Chavez, do the right thing. You know and the public knows that there is a serious problem with APD's 5th floor. Why do you think eight good commanders and numerous seasoned Lt's retired! The guy is a big problem!
Do what's right!
Above poster - absolutley right. The people who got in trouble or those that were sent packing are a very small number. Look at the total (large) numbers of command staff that quietly retired in Schultz's first year... they weren't asked to leave, they just knew him from when he was here before and could see what the dept. was in for and simply did not want their names and legacy attached to the certain drop in morale and throat cutting that was sure to ensue. Doubt it? Look at the Chief's first statement to the press on Ronzone and Carter -- if those guys are ajudicated guilty at some point he can say those things but there IS NO HARM IN SUPPORTING YOUR TROOPS A BIT WHEN ALL YOU HAVE HEARD IS SOME WILD ACCUSATION FROM A SMALL TOWN BAR BOUNCER!!
Schultz beats his chest and says he is cleaning up the department. When the real story is most of the terminations are people hired during his time as chief or deputy chief. The problem falls at his feet. Schultz needs to take responsibility and resign.
He is the skipper and all these problems belong to him.
The only commanders that stay are YES MEN that kiss his A#^.
HOW TRUE!
How many officers have been fired, resigned, put in jail, etc in the years that Schultz has been chief. Can the EYE name all of them? I think seeing the numbers would open everyone's EYES.
Schultz,,,, try standing by your men and women for a change. Wait until your officers are proven guilty before casting judgement against them!!!!! You damm them before they have there day in court.
What about 15 years ago or so when the dept was after you when you were the DWI Sgt. I beleive they said you were double dipping. They threw you out of DWI and transffered all your squad, as they where all doing what you taught them. The dept could have fired you, but did'nt, they just transferred you. Show, some of compassion and the same treatment for your officers, as was given to you!
Schultz You act like you have never done anything wrong....
Chief,,,I know,,,,just pretend all your officers are deputy chiefs and no one will ever get in trouble, no matter what violations or crimes they commit.
Why,, because you turn a blind eye to the Deputy Chief's violations and crimes!!!!!!!!!!
Don't forget the drinking paries in uniform at Donna Deans! Ray you are playing with fire. Photographs still exist.
oooooh... now this is getting good. Photos? Ray? Farm animals? And who's wife or girlfriend?
Maybe just some of the regulars from TDs.
..............Valerie
Come on TJ from the journal, print some of this stuff, or is true what Ray Schultz says "That he owns you".
At least that what all the command staff is told. He can get you to print or write only the things he has approved!
TJ, Don't get caught up on the Marty bus tour as well!
We need an honest reporter to expose these dirt bags....
Tj is a cool guy and does not listen to Chief Schultz' BS. I know this for a fact!
Well that's all I need. An anonymous post telling me the Journal isn't in Marty's pocket.
WHORES
It's too bad that the Journal doesn't have a competitor media outlet that will not be bribed and will speak the truth about the unscrupulous bastards that run this city.
Oh, but there is. It's called
"The Eye on Albuquerque"
...and it doesn't cost 50 cents a day to be lied to.
Right on!
Let's not forget the Sunday paper.
You get a lot more paper for $1.00, with twice the lies and half truths.
How true. But in reality, the people in Albuquerque and around the state are more aware than you think. They are realizing that the people that run this city are indeed a bunch of thieving crooks, and the time IS in fact fast approaching the demise of Marty, Ray, Perlman, and all the rest of these cronies that feast like welfare recipients on our hard earned tax dollars.
What cartoon world are you living in?
Can someone under investigation and on paid leave be considered feasting like a welfare recepient on hard-earned tax dollars?
Depends... is th investigation being fabricated by the 5th floor? Thats their MO.
That's me McQuack! I'm Back! Did you go register at Darren's Office? Are you still prowling around APD disguised as a teacher? When did you get out? Still applying to be a Catholic Priest? Run People !!! Hide your small male children......EEEeeeeeks!
The last posters give ADD kids a bad name.
I miss Galvin
I hear Gerry is in Calif. somewhere, maybe you should join him!
Galvin was the BEST chief APD has ever known. He supported the troops, most where just crtical because he was an outsider.
How true!! He didn't play New Mexico politics.
Whoever said the Chief lets women get away with murder, must be a man, because there are several female 34s who have been tageted by the Chief and his staff. There are two sides to every story including the fight in Arkansas, two bouncers, two men who happen to be Officers, big deal. According to all media accounts, it was a fair fight and the bouncers lost and this is how they are saving face by filing charges. Give me a break.
I believe these two officers are innocence based on Ray Boys behavior towards them. He doesn't like anyone who won't kiss his &^%$#. Just look at the commanders that are always on the 5th floor kissing butt (from the 4th floor.)
YES!!!
The chief goes way to far hanging these guys and the officers go way to far saying they can't be in the wrong. The only thing in common is no one really knows the entire story yet.
I am not saying these guys are guilty or innocent, I am saying none of us know, unless you have copies of the arrest warrants, reports and statements. So until all of this is made public, we should all do these guys a favor and shut up about it, that includes the Chief.
Does anyone know if this is true? There is a rumor going around that a candidate for APD made it all the way to Chief's Selection before APD discovered he had a felony warrant. Has anyone else heard this?
Damn APD......? Why don't you take a page outta' AFD's book and try standing by your guy's for once and let the justice system play out? Innocent until Proven Guilty. R. Carter I got your back and I aint even a 34. We go way back to middle school. Beat this shit and move onward and upward brother!
LINKS TO OFFICER-INVOLVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (OIDV) SPOTS ON THE WEB:
A Photoshow of Officer-Involved Domestic Violence Fatalities
Partners, officers, suicide, murder... and children
http://www.lanejudson.com/OFFICER_INVOLVED_FATALITIES.htm
BLOG: Behind The Blue Wall
Selected cases of officer-involved domestic violence from the news
http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/
MYSPACE OIDV: Tacoma said it was a private matter
Page centered on national cases of officer-involved dv, named after Tacoma taking no action - resulting in a national scandal police chief murder-suicide
http://www.myspace.com/tacoma_taser
MYSPACE - NYPD SONIA GARCIA
Shot & killed by her NYPD boyfriend who has not been charged
http://www.myspace.com/nypd_sonia_garcia
Abuse of Power
Site of consultant Diane Wetendorf and her approach to officer-involved domestic violence
http://www.abuseofpower.info/
Domestic Violence in Police Families
Page from Purple Berets
http://www.purpleberets.org/violence_police_families.html
If Your Batterer Is a Cop
Page from Purple Berets
http://www.purpleberets.org/violence_ifacop.html
LANEJUDSON.COM
Father of Crystal Judson (Brame) slain by Tacoma Washington's police chief in a murder-suicide that has changed laws and policies, and promotes more change. Free speaker.
http://www.lanejudson.com/
Police Family Violence Fact Sheet
from The National Center for Women and Policing
http://www.womenandpolicing.org/violenceFS.asp
I hope this story for the belated Mrs. Chavez does not vanish until justice is served against the jerk invovled in taking her life. I also hope that the APD idiots who took it upon themself to prove that "sometimes the best criminals wear badges" pay for their actions in all of this. No amount of money will ever bring back the losses Terra's family continues to live with, but I hope that it brings APD to its knees! Corruption is live and well in the walls of APD and history within this era of officers will continue to prove this.
We take into account the facts of this case with Levi Chavez and proof is in the pudding. Look at other officers of resent past. We have officers releasing from drunk tanks, hitting news casters with cameras rolling, officers in their units DWI being chased on tax payer dollars, and possibly an officer "or former" involved in the westside mystery, and the list goes on.
I have a question for Chief Shultz. Where were you in all this when former Mayor Chavez was caught at a motel with Mary Molina Mescall by his then former wife? The scam goes on!!!!
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