We noticed the following comment from Officer Steven Arias. Obviously, we can't absolutely verify that he's the author but he make some good points that bear reading. Of course we don't agree with everything Mr. Arias has to say particularly concerning our motivation.
To us it's about the health of the Albuquerque Police Department. For far too long there have been infections festering beneath the surface. Often one must lance an infection - a painful process to be sure but one that will result in a healthy department from top to bottom.
We want to thank Officer Arias for taking the time to post his thoughtful comment.
(Fr: Steven Arias)
34s-
We need to take a step back and breath, please! Why is everyone so angry? The money? We disagree, I understand that but these personal attacks have crossed the line. They have no place in negotiations, arguments, and debates. Tuesday afternoon, Sgt. Heh and I got together on a 47 trial. God has a great sense of humor...but you know what? We acted like mature adults, studied the 42 together, exchanged thoughts, and eventually got a plea conviction because of Sgt. Heh's testimony. After, in the lobby, we again exchanged thoughts and ideas on the department's status and the contract. We disagree, but we did so objectively, and like adults, and we even overcame our petty personal differences to get a drunk driver his due legal punishment, shook hands, and pressed on with our business. In the end, that's all the citizens of ABQ care about; they don't care about our high school-trash talking and drama. They care about living in peace. I used to read this blog for entertainment purposes as well as a diverse source of information that I often disagree with (my reading of this blog ends tonight). However, to the author of this blog, you have a hand in playing these officers against each other- you understand how contentious the situation is- you have played it for e-ratings. If you cared about the health of the department, you would not approve the comments from anonymous men and women who feel at liberty to make personal attacks because they know they will never be held to account. Rather, you would use your blog as vehicle of reconciliation, and a place for legitimate debate among our diverse ideas. Please stop with these biased articles constantly condemning the leadership for every conspiratorial misfortune, or at the very least, please use better judgment in discouraging hateful and intellectually-bankrupt comments. I want everyone to have a voice and excercise their freedom of speech, but some people are yelling "FIRE!" in a crowded room. This has tangible effects on people's feelings, performance, and self-esteem. I understand you feel afraid to put your name out there as the author; but if we're standing up for what we believe is right without attacking people, and are punished at the end of the day, I could still live with myself, and so could you. To me, I.A. has no wrath like what 34's have brought upon on each other. Sgt. Heh told me Tuesday he was informed of an I.A. investigation. None of us should bask in delight over this; I don't like going to I.A., and I can tell you that I do not wish I.A. on anyone. I know some of you anonymous folks out there blame me for the misfortunes of some in I.A., but I said my piece to those of you who were at the meeting... face to crowd. I never went to any length to file any complaints against anyone, in fact abuses of positions of power were well known at high levels of command prior to my hearing 34's complaining about it. I do not like going to I.A. and I don't want any of you there; if you received "the letter" it's because someone filed a formal complaint on you. Sgt. Heh and I talked about this, he knows my position isn't about the money, but defending officers who can't defend themselves or will not. I don't need the money, but some young officers and recruits wanting to come to APD do, and ALL of us deserve it...and I thank the union guys and gals, the council, the administration, and the public for no longer treating law-enforcement as a privelege, but now as a PRIORITY. This contract may save the department and the city...we're losing our grip on crime despite the great efforts of a disproportionate number of 34s-to-citizens. Sgt. Heh is still a cop; the Chief is still a cop; Marty is still the mayor; the union guys are still cops; we're playing on the same team. We may not agree or like our leaders/teammates but that is in no way justification for some of the things said here. I'm asking those who agree and disagree to extend eachother respect and courtesy merely because of that. I'm also asking everyone to stop making personal attacks on one another and feeding into this blog. You may feel that the author is our friend, but a friend doesn't play you against your other friends. That goes for attacks on the Mayor, the Chief, the councilors, the union folks and anyone you disagree with, it means nothing to say angry words on a blog that further our problems- approach them like professionals, it gains better results, and it's how 34s conduct themselves. If you have something to say, attend an APOA meeting and let's talk. Or call that person and discuss your issues. Talk to each other. I know 34s in the union and elsewhere who are feeling sick from all of this...because of what **WE** are doing to **EACHOTHER**. Some of you will undoubtedly tell me to stick it... fine. Every word we speak in this job may be our last, so, if for nothing else, let our last words to each other not be in anger. It shouldn't take tragedy to bring us together, and it shouldn't take money to divide us. It's in OUR hands.
-Arias
17 comments:
Steven, you are right.
This blog however, has served to inform all, of the hypocracies of this administration, and hope you stay involved and continue to read and help guide the way for all of those stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Thank you for your words; perhaps you should be the one involved in mediating this horrific mess.
Signed; "Just a Taxpayer"
Steve, wish you would read your own words. Paul Heh put his name on his comment and now is the subject of an investigation. You on the other hand will be protected because you defend the chief and marty. Sleep on that!
"...the Chief is still a cop; Marty is still the mayor; the union guys are still cops" You're very wrong on a lot of items and your lack of time on the department shows. This isn't to say you're intentions are off, it just shows how naive you (don't worry, we all were) are. Ray is as close to being a cop as loss prevention is at a dollar store. Marty is as much a mayor as he is honest. And the union guys as are much cops as they are tools for the city. Think not? Ask those that they haven't helped or fought for...they pick and choose their battles just like the rest of them and do it on our dime. The common thread behind these three elements is that nobody owns their position. Sure they have titles of positions but they never act in control of their jobs. I wish you the best of luck Arias but you will see how the reality of being an officer on this department is not in alignment with the expectations what one would have of being a police officer.
I'm sorry, but this police officer is very naive. He sounds like Pollyana.
First of all--we all have control over ourselves. How dare you blame a blogger for the problems at APD! You are completely delusional.
This is the problem--the APD will hire anybody, including emotionally and mentally unstable people! This officer, obviously, doesn't live in reality. What does he think we should do? Call up Marty and Chief Schultz and ask them to join us in a prayer circle?
We are dealing with CRIMINAL MINDS in positions of power and authority. The police force, the mayor's office--practically the entire state, is filled with self serving sociopaths.
Stop trying to muzzle the public. It's about time someone exposed these people for who they are. This officer is worried about the police force? I'm worried about every last law abiding citizen in this city. There is a rampage of violent crime occuring here. The APD is too busy harrassing eachother and law abiding citizens to find the criminals or, I know this sounds crazy, but actually prevent crime. I think this city would be safer under the protection of the Keystone Cops.
And, I'm also tired of people saying we shouldn't complain and that if we don't like it, we should leave. Let me explain something to those ignorant people: It's because I care about this city and the people who live here that I complain. It is because I am not willing to bury my head in the sand while the people living in this city get shafted time and again by leadership who only serve themselves. WE DESERVE BETTER.
Is this coming from "wet behind the ears" Arias who was calling the veteran officers whinners during the last APOA meeting?
Poster #2 is right on target. Arias won't be the one getting served with IA investigation papers--he's busy spinning for Ray & Marty.
Good post and thoughts S. Arias. HoWEVER, I must make a couple of comments. First, you are the one that stood up and called the senior officer "whiners"....You are the one that IN A RECORDED MEETING< said officers were intimidated by other sergeants. That is what started the ball rolling for the I.A... If you werent one of those officers that was intimidated, then you had no business saying anything.
There are many reasons to have a true argument on this topic... Somethings need to be discused, but making personal attacks, hiding behind your only argument saying he doesn't have that much expirence has got to stop... Steve Arias will engage you in a discussion on the topic, i believe in the last section he even gave out his number for you to contact him and/or his email adress, honestly people act like amature adults and discuss this like MATURE human beings, you attack steven for being young, well he has showed more maturity than you by only bringing up the points and not attacking you personally. If you want so much respect in the department, then show some respect to your fellow police officers, they just as much put their life on the line to protect the city, calling someone who is devoting their life to public service a no-nothing naive kid has got to stop bring up a real argument, your voices would be heard if you have substance rather than trash-talk..
i haven't made up my mind on the new contract, there are good things and bad things to it that is for sure...but atleast Steven is sticking up for what he believes, and i aplaud him and those who oppose him who actually bring an argument...
thanks
A lot of those senior officers are "WHINERS" truth hurts, even when a so called "rookie" officer can see that. OOOHHH he has to be here 10 years to speak his mind? When did "HEH AND HIJACKERS" make that rule. The intimidation by sergeants came up a long time before that, get it right. I dont agree with a lot steve has to say, but he has every right to speak as you or me do. Or did you forget that when you took the oath.
Good job Steve.
right with ya buddy
"CRIMINAL MINDS, in the position of power"
PERFECT!!!!
Now lets shorten that.
"CRIMINALS,in the position of power"
There ya go. Now were getting warmer.
Steve,
You need to understand several things. One, the Alcalde is a power monger bent on nothing more than looking out for himself. Reminds me of Napoleon. Two, Ray is out of a job if he fails to bow to the whims of the Alcalde. Three, there has always been some contention between senior and junior officers with regard to pay issues in the contract. Four, Sgt Paul Heh is a hard working, dedicated officer, more than I can say for some.
They just should not have screwed the senior officers that bad. They could have at least left their longevity and given them a 15% raise, that's 5% per year and they keep their longivity. That still would give the rookies a 35% raise which is still great!
Sgt. Heh isn't the problem. He just pointed it out to everyone.
My dad is a retired firefighter, and he says it's always been like this. FF's and cops are the biggest cry babies when it comes to their pay and benefits. He says it's nice to see some things don't change.:)
OH YEAH!!!!!!! WELL, MY DAD CAN BEAT UP YOUR DAD!
It was certainly interesting for me to read the article. Thank you for it. I like such topics and anything that is connected to them. I would like to read a bit more on that blog soon.
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