The Piercing Truth

This is right from the dictionary and seems to describe Albuquerque, Berry and Schultz. Fascism (f ash ,izem) noun An authoritarian right wing system of government and/or social organization. (in general use) extreme right wing, authoritarian, chauvinistic and/or intolerant views or practices. Fascism tends to include a belief in the supremacy of one group over another, national, ethnic, especially social strata or monetarily; a contempt for democracy, an insistence on obedience to a powerful leader, and a strong demagogic approach. Compliments of one of our Eyes

Nov 13, 2007

Eye Poll: APD's Morale Less Than Stellar

Last week's Eye Poll results came as no surprise to anyone who reads this blog. Readers perception of APD's morale can only be characterized as terrible. With 260 votes in our unscientific poll 47% felt that morale was Terrible and couldn't get worse, 20% felt that it was not so good, 7% pretty good, 4% great, another 4% didn't know, and 19% didn't care.
(Sidebar)
For the almost 20% of you who didn't care... you might start caring if APD morale leads to a reduction in job performance. Being a police officer is one of the hardest jobs around featuring high stress, long hours, confrontation, and endless hours of mind-numbing paperwork. As part of their job, officer's fight daily battles against some pretty bad people. They shouldn't have to fight the 5th and 11th floors too.

When anyone has too many battles to fight, their effectiveness and performance suffer. In the police business that can mean someone dies; and that someone may be dear to you. You might want to consider that before you stop caring.
(End Sidebar)
Again, we weren't surprised by the outcome and even though this poll is unscientific, 2/3rds of you felt that there was an APD morale problem. In the world of government and politics, perception is reality. The reality here is that APD has a BIG problem. The responsibility for fixing those problems lies squarely with the department's leadership - Chief Ray Schultz and ultimately Albuquerque's Martycrat Mayor who's trying to jump ship before his political career drowns in a sea of red light scam-eras, dishonesty, and overall administrative incompetence.

In case you haven't already noticed, this week's Eye Poll takes up the issue of Marty's motives behind the scam-era task force. We bet you already know what we think... So let us know what you think in this week's poll.

62 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thankyou. If only this would make it to the light of main-stream news as people sit down for the evening meal or that morning cup of coffee. Many here wonder how to make Marty look worse... have APD officers and employees take an independent pole as to how they feel. Federal government does it all the time its called a "climate survey".

Anonymous said...

It would seem that those who populate this site can see the "politician" side to the Mayor's future plans. If he is perceived as shady and self-serving as Mayor..can it be worse in higher office. Of course.
We can stop his ambitions to deceive..with our vote!

Anonymous said...

Instead of hoping that the mainstream media picks this up, why doesn't the APOA grow a set of balls and start calling news conferences and getting it out there. Don't depend on others, when you can do it yourself.

Anonymous said...

hear, hear

Anonymous said...

Come on APOA,, we know you read this all the time....Take the bull by the horns and do something...

No action shows that Ray Schultz does infact own you and controls your actions. Show us different. Don't let this go without notice!!!!

Help your mrmbership for once and not be self serving. We will be watching..

Put this web site out to the public to show what is really going on!

Anonymous said...

You think that Chief Schultz and his staff would take this advise to heart and work to fix the problem!!!

They however, don't think they have a problem, even with proof. He is too arrogant to care. All he cares about is his paycheck. A real chief would take a hard look at this poll and work to fix the problems, rather than act as if they don't exist!

How about you Mayor Chavez, will you do anything to help?

This could hurt your senate race if it gets out!

Anonymous said...

Id be happy to know what you would like me or this board to do, specifically. Not with your veiled threat of strikes and campouts. we are in the middle of contract negotiations. more importantly, Im in the middle of trying to undo eight years of stalled pay for the most veteran officers of this dept. Ive made that the priority right now. I have made my best effort to argue or stand up to the administration on issues that concern the officers. I have failed miserably at some and succeeded on others. either way, I jumped right in to the flames. In 18 months not one politician has recieved a single dime, nor will they for the short time that it remains my call. as always, the membership has the final call on everything, I currently work for them, and perhaps you. Now I will ask you again and leave you to probably cut me to shreds which is fine, what do you want done? If it hurts the current talks do you want it done anyway? There has been a plan laid out for all of this. it surely isnt perfect, but it has gotten us to the table. I realize you dislike the chief and the mayor, but I have to look out for you just the same. right now I think you have been robbed of a decent pay package for almost a decade. I will do my best. Im not getting any cool job or some huge bonus for hosing you guys. In fact, my career is ruined for the short time Ive got left as long as this admin. is around. Im looking for help and good advice so fire away..............

Anonymous said...

Way to respond APOA,,, come on people, come up with some suggestions to help your our union out.

We are all in this fight togeather!

Anonymous said...

I say screw whatever happened in the past! ITS JUST THAT! THE PAST! work on today and now union! you cant make up for how all the veterens got screwed in the last eight nine or ten years! Work on making this Mayor and chief realize we aint playing games anymore. That ad was great when it came out but it became worthless two days later when there was no follow-up done!

The citizens will back us 100% on any substantial raise we negotiate or suggest! Stop kissing ass and use comments from this site to our advantage instead of that worthless and weak APOA site! Everyones scared to comment openly on that site anyways. I see truly honest and open opinions here and I know the membership will support any smart and aggressive tactics you use on our behalf.

Anonymous said...

GET OUT/CAMP OUT ON CIVIC PLAZA SO THE PRESS IS FORCED TO REPORT IT AND FORCE THE HAND OF THIS PATHETIC RULER.
Call a press conference and ALL show up. Don't just LET the few stick their necks out there for the scared and afraid sheep. Defy them and they will be yours. The only respect you will gain is through fear AND NUMBERS. They've instilled it in you long enough, so send some of it back.
MAKE THE TAXPAYERS AWARE BY FORCING THE NEWS MEDIAS HAND.

Anonymous said...

Oh Yeah! What a great idea! Let's have the APOA draw the public's attention to all of the moronic, vile and unprofessional postings by APD Officers on this site then ask them to support us with respect and a professional pay raise.....Geeezz no wonder we can't get anywhere in this world. Think people, THINK!

Anonymous said...

I know, right?

Anonymous said...

The current contract is up in July 2008, I believe. The raise the Council approved has been held ransom by the Mayor since May 2007. Now I understand we are back at the table but it just seems like the same old game. There has not been an across the board raise in almost 10 years. I think it time, if the APOA membership will back it up, to start informational pickets and press conferences. If that doesn't work step it up with a rally on Civic Plaza. Keep doing things like that.

NEVER EVER DO A JOB ACTION OR WORK SLOW DOWN. THAT IS NOT WHAT PROFESSIONAL POLICE DO.

There you have my 2 cents. I don't think being back at the table after all the BS we have suffered through counts right now. The only thing that counts is an across the board raise, NOW. If it is not happening then pickets and press conferences, detailing low morale, low number of officers, how unsafe the city is, etc.

Anonymous said...

As part of the public, you guys have sunk your own boat sorry to say. Watching you cut each other to pieces is enough for me thank you. some fool asks for help and suggestions and you beat them down more. seems like this person is your scape goat.....sorry but if you stage some sort of 1979 uaw thing you will surely slice your already bleeding throats. seems like a different approach is in order. The cool thing is one of you will anonymously mistreat me now for even caring about you and making an opinion. good luck either way

Anonymous said...

An across the board raise is sitting on the table and can be taken tomorrow if you want it. when that happens, 310 people will be making more money than 400 people who are ahead of them in seniority. this is called compression and is happening because of the two different pay scales. every single person needs a raise. we have to think it through. we have to get enough money out of the entire package to fix this problem and still come out ahead. The 2 mil will get 380 people to 21.07.

Anonymous said...

Personally I think you (that is RO) need to be more visible. I know nobody wanted the job when you stepped up and good for you for doing it. But, IMHO, part of the package is being a visible representative to the public as much as the membership. Anything contract related or relating to a hi-profile incident requires your input and pretty face in front of the cameras. Maybe you already are doing this and the media just doesn't show it, I don't know but since they feed on controversy seems like they would move on it.

Just remember, these hacks will be moving on ... you're in a position to help provide some profound change and that will be appreciated.

To other posters, yeah there's a lot of banter here and sometimes it's disturbing. Get over it because it ain't half as bad as some of the boardrooms I've been in.

Last thing. NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT ANYTHING LESS THAN DOING OUR DUTIES AS WE WERE SWORN TO DO. Whomever is spreading that disinformation is not a cop.

Anonymous said...

They can keep their $2M. The point of all this is to bring APD to the point of being competitive with other departments so that recruiting is less of an issue.

Anonymous said...

Bring the offer to the members now. Let them vote on it. Bringing everyone to $21.07 NOW will make it easier to start contract talks for July of 2008. If we do nothing now then we will still have the problem then.

Let the members vote on this so they can have their say and lets do it quickly.

Anonymous said...

what ever happened to the .01 safety tax money?

Anonymous said...

Who are we kidding??? It will be the same pattern as in the past with the Mayor. We don't get crap from him but we sure do give him the endorsements and the cash. Just because APOA endorses him that doesn't mean that I ever voted for that looser. He will give us a little raise and here comes his endorsement,,, its called MANIPULATION and we fall for it every time with Marty. We talk big but then the Union breaks us and we end up doing everything Marty wants. Look up all the articles from last election when he ran for Mayor.

Anonymous said...

We know the APOA has sucked with Marty in the past. How about no more posts rehashing that and instead give Ron some current direction.

I say we vote right now on the pay increase. I assume it will only effect the guys making $19 an hour and will raise them to $21.07.

Whatever it is let's vote NOW!

Anonymous said...

Yes, even a straw vote that garners some attention would work, actually Ron why not have a table at civic plaza with a ballot box and let officers come by there and drop off votes. That way you arm-twist the media into at least a 10 second sound byte. And you know how the vote will turn out so they almost have to follow up with you the next day as well(another sound byte). Also, with everything going on w/the Mayor Id suggest that, like him or not, you guys quit cutting Ray up into mincemeat until after that... if Marty throws him under the bus on the red light cameras he may be exactly the ally you need in his final days next year! Friends close, enemies closer. Any media is good media for you at this point -- remember how Marty had the whole damn dept. out wearing vests saying "Mayor Marty's clean team"? Well he did that on duty time and it was pure marketing 101. You guys in the APOA need to work every creative marketing idea you can think of. I have been retired from there for years, but in my current job I am a marketing guy and I can tell that you need to work this on every level to make the people who want to help you get off their collective a$$es and vote and be active w/friends and neighbors. You will always have the 75% of the publice behind you anyway, catch another 10% and you are golden.

Anonymous said...

OK Ron & board members, Set up the box now!!! Let the membership vote! We have spoken, make it happen!!!! More members apparently read information from this post than from the unions own website as the above poster stated.

Anonymous said...

Mayor Chavez & Chief Schultz: stop the intimidation and retaliation of the troops. The citizens want what's best for them, not you, for a change.

Anonymous said...

What are you going to vote on? There are currently negotiations in session and as of right now there is nothing on the table and nothing to bring to the membership. The wage and guidelines committee hasn’t even been formed yet and that is the 2nd hurdle the APOA needs to get over before any money issues are discussed.

Anonymous said...

JESUS by the time the APOA figures out what to do it will be July and we will be in regular contract talks.

Let's just bring Lawrence Torres back ,at least he had a plan to further his own career and he got it done. What a guy.

Anonymous said...

Negotiations are a secret conspiracy and the progress of such must be hidden from all! The members will be screwed as always before anyone even knows what happened.

Anonymous said...

Some interesting things were brought up in briefing today. Kinda like a stop-loss, supposedly an incentive is being formulated whereby a 34 can retire and return and still hold their rank & seniority--and the 90 day rule is bye bye. I don't know if this is disinformation meant to fractionalize things even more BUT if it accurate it obviously has dire consequences for anybody wanting to promote or transfer to other unit... NICE!

Anonymous said...

The infamous DROP PROGRAM!

Anonymous said...

Here's a thought..All you whiners and bitchers of how the APOA is not addressing any issues show up at a Union Meeting and voice your concern. Especially those who used to serve on the board who are responsible for where we are right now.

For those re-hires that are pitching a bitch why don't we just place you at the seniority level of your date of re-hire, require you to bid like everyone else, and also recieve the same pay as everyone else. There wasn't a re-hire program when you served your initial career so you had the abiltiy to get the premium shift and inside jobs that you have taken from the current members. If you choose not to stay employed so be it..........it just reinforces that the 11th and 5th floor's numbers game is nothing but smoke and mirrors.

If people started showing up to meetings and showing a unified front instead of classifying themselves by generations and believing that what was once done in the past will work forever is just splintering the workhorses of the Department and giving Ray and Marty a timeline that allows them to leave before making a decision. If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem.

Grow up people and do what is right for the future of the department, not what benefits you as an individual. If you can't do this then your career in law enforcement was nothing but a lie that you have bragged to your friends and family about. If you fall into this category then chances are you were probably only a medicore cop at best and you leaving the department will have no negative impact anyway.

That said..if you any concern of those officers working everyday in harms way and want to improve the quality of life for them and their families go to the APOA meetings and also show up to vote. If you don't then you are just as much part of the problem as Ray and Marty are.

Anonymous said...

Well put. Show up and do what is uncomfortable. Do your part instead of leaving it up to just a few that are putting their d#$%ks on the line.
Yes, it does expose you to Ray & Marty, but grow some, and stand up for yourselves.

Anonymous said...

Where is Jeff Remington...He screwed this up and now he is now no where to be found....Hiding his fat, fat ass inside!

He did what was best for him only, he srewed the older guys! However, he got his raise!

Anonymous said...

5 posts up. The 90 day rule is state law, the legislature would have to pass a law changing that. APD has no control other than to try to lobby for a change in the law.

Now as for keeping your seniority and rank. This violates the APOA contract because once you are gone 90 days you lost those things. Ray Schultz, back when he was a DCOP, attempted this so he could keep his DCOP rank. He was publicly embarrassed over this and soon thereafter left for Arizona.

The only way I think these things could happen is if the legislature amended the 90 day rule. Then Schultz might find a way around the APOA contract. Therefore the APOA needs to put language in the contract that stipulates once you retire you lose rank and seniority. The APOA also needs to watch the legislature closely and lobby very hard against any change in the 90 day rule.

The rehire program is a Pandora's box. Now that it is cracked open guys like Schultz and other folks that do not care about the younger officers will attempt to manipulate if for their own greedy selves. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!

Anonymous said...

Looks like its already happening to some extent. One of the Segway units downtown retired then came back...to his previous assignment...Segway.

Anonymous said...

That is one way around it. Currently you can't come back with rank, but if you are a patrolman you can come back pretty much anywhere the chief wants you. There are so many violations of he MOU governing retired rehires it is really a worthless piece of paper. The chief never intended to abide by it, shameful.

All the APOA can do is keep filing prohibited practice complaints, which do nothing and are ignored.

One thing that would get their attention is if a non retired officer or officers sued in court for discrimination. A class action suit representing all officers who have not yet retired, citing job discrimination would get someone's attention and make the chief abide by the rules.

Anonymous said...

Schultz does not care about suits. He does what he want anyway even if you sue him. It said its not his money anyhow and he'll be long gone!

I heard a rumor that he was already going to move Gene Peditt to a Sgts position over the COAST Unit! Gene said he does not want to go, but Schultz may force him to take the promotion.

The Union needs to make sure Schultz does not pull that off...This is his first step to bringing back supervisors!

Anonymous said...

Rumor verified but also heard Gene don't want the position. He still likes working the field where it matters!

Anonymous said...

Hmmmmm, who would want to be an acting sergeant over a bunch of nilly willy civilians that already are tearing each other apart just so that once its up and running the city can say "thank you". Good for you GP for standing down. The field already knows your a good guy and you just reminded us, once again, why.

Anonymous said...

I know Gene and he would quit before the chief forced him. Gene is his own man and not owned by anyone. Well maybe Cynthia but not the chief.

Anonymous said...

Gene don't do it. Thompson already tried to screw you over one time before remember. She is happy screwing over everyone at APD and COAST. Stick to your guns and stay in the field.

Anonymous said...

APOA leadership: Stay strong and don't let these policy makers force any issue. The "would be" senator is going to be swinging hard and cheap so take the high ground--just make sure you PR campaign is together 'cause he'll use the media hard!!!

Anonymous said...

THERE WILL BE NO F_ _ KING SENATE SEAT FOR HIM.
NO HOW, NO WAY, NADA.
THE DEMS WONT HAVE IT.
THE WHORES IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WILL HELP HIM THOUGH.

Anonymous said...

From a reporter: After reading these comments, it sounds like many of you want to speak out. I understand talking on camera could mean retaliation. If there really is a problem with morale, your union reps should hold a press conference. The local stations/paper will certainly want to hear what you have to say, especially if a large number of you show up at a press conference. Thank you all for doing what you do and for keeping us safe. You have a tough job.

Anonymous said...

To the reporter: Are you guys going to do more reporting on the suspicious death of the wife of the APD officer? Please, don't just wait for the company line from APD. That is what happened in that case in Illinois. Please go out and start digging and do some real reporting. The deceased woman deserves someone looking into this.

Anonymous said...

Well, there you have it.
Expose, Expose, Expose.
Indict, Indict, Indict.
Convict, Convict, Convict.
sentence, Sentence, Sentence.

DOES THAT SOUND GOOD TO EVERYBODY?

GOOD. THEN GO DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO.

Anonymous said...

so where do we contact you "mystery reporter"? youre another person not being part of the solution, some hater cop. put your creds on here so we can respond...........
rumor is another lengthy story on police pay in abq is coming out, also another ad, if true, keep it up guys...hang in there

Anonymous said...

Marty does not need the bad press...The union needs to take out ads against Marty Chavez being a US Senator.

APOA, don't back off this guy. Hit him where it hurts. Ads against his bid for US Senate...

ANYBODY BUT MARTY FOR US SENATE!!!!

Anonymous said...

Very Simply:

The APOA is currently in contract negotiations with the City. During the negotiations, neither side is allowed media contact referencing the negotiations.
Numbers cannot be settled on until the city guidelines committee calculates the available funds.

If the negotiations come to a stalemate, then each side can back away, and the media contact can resume.

Anonymous said...

Contract negotiations are a secret society and conspiracy kinda like skull and bones. let them do what they need to in order to get us more of what we have got in the past. its very simple let it go...

Anonymous said...

Dear reporter,

Thank you for the compliment. We work hard for the good of you and all your family as well as our own. I wish I could compliment our reporters job performance but you never seem to be any help to our cause. You guys spend more time bringing up all the negative problems that arise. The public reads all your negative stories salivating about the prospect of another scandal in the department. I realize the public wants to read all that crap, but let them read positive things we do so they don't feel like we are robbing them come raise time.

Anonymous said...

Oh Yeah! What a great idea! Let's have the APOA draw the public's attention to all of the moronic, vile and unprofessional postings by APD Officers on this site then ask them to support us with respect and a professional pay raise.....Geeezz no wonder we can't get anywhere in this world.

Anonymous said...

Two up, well put. However,when reporting on the positives, let's also stop being manipulated by this administration and expose the corruption with the evidence that you've been handed to time after time.

Anonymous said...

Maybe all the troubles that officers are having outside the department are because of the internal ones. Seems like another APD officer is on the other side of the law (still working in the field though, you should feel safe). A domestic violence case,DV419207. Seems like his wife was charged to which is a big no-no because it assures a dismissal. Cover-Up,hmmm you decide.

Anonymous said...

Who is it? Mark B ? I mean the "Eye".....

Anonymous said...

What does that mean? I cant look at files and such....non city worker here...are you implying the courts, apd, and others have covered up a domestic violence incident?

Anonymous said...

DAH ! You think?

Anonymous said...

That officer refered to above was just promoted to Sergeant on friday with the Sergeant of PIO's Trish.

Anonymous said...

Yes, civilian, you can look it up. It's a public record. You got the DV case number so go from there. I think that DV number can be cross-referenced in Metro Court or District Court database. It's probably metro court.

Anonymous said...

See today's Journal, Marty admitted that APD only has 998 officers. Now we know he counts the part time CSA's so when you remove them APD is below 950! They graduate 9 officers right before Christmas and are expecting almost 70 retirements by Jan 1, 2007! This city's police department is in crisis with it's staffing. They are not growing they are shrinking.

APOA you need to get these facts out to the media ASAP

APD will have only 900 full time sworn officer by January 1, 2007! And God knows how many of them are under investigation and indictment. Good job Ray and Marty, you have finally driven the car over the cliff.

Anonymous said...

....70 retirements by Jan. 01 2007?

Anonymous said...

so 70 are retiring but only 48 have been hired this year, it seems we are going backwards?

Anonymous said...

That appears to be light bulbs going on. APD is going backward in hiring numbers.