Being retired from the Albuquerque Police Department, I was immediately drawn to the headline “In the Hot Seat” in Sunday’s paper. I read the article by Jeff Proctor outlining APD Chief Ray Schultz and his claim that he is the man to fix problems at APD. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I became upset with how Chief Schultz diagnosed the problems at APD and how he demonstrated a lack of leadership and accountability. I am also embarrassed for how APD’s reputation has diminished over the last several years and I believe the officers of APD and the Albuquerque community deserves better.
I retired in 2006 at the rank of lieutenant and served as the Director of Training for the Albuquerque Police Academy from 2003 to 2006. Prior to that I was in charge of the Internal Affairs Unit from 2001 to 2003 and worked closely with Chief Schultz in both assignments. I spent time with him and got to know him fairly well. I always liked his sense of humor….he is a very funny person when you get to know him. I was excited when he came back to be Chief and thought he would do well in the position. However, in the months following his return, I realized that he wasn’t the same person I knew before he left to Scottsdale, AZ.
Chief Schultz states in the article that he cares about APD and is the man to fix problems. The only problems he identifies are related to training and psychological screening? Give me a break! He must be living under a rock or has his head buried deep in the sand. I remain in contact with many current APD officers and recent retirees of all ranks. When discussing the state of APD, the common theme I hear from all of them is that the Chief does not care about the officers, APD leadership does not practice what it preaches, discipline and overall treatment of officers is not consistent, and morale is at an all-time low. This has become Chief Schultz’ “brand” and he now owns that.
For the past two years I have been working in the private sector focusing solely in the area of leadership; facilitating leadership courses to corporate leaders throughout the country. I can’t understand how Chief Schultz can say that there is no crisis in APD. There is a huge crisis in APD in the area of leadership…..or should I say lack of leadership. The article spends a great deal of time describing the training Chief Schultz has been to and groups and organizations he belongs to; even describing his uniform and its appearance. However, none of these things make a leader. They are all positional and superficial window dressing. A real leader is someone that can share an inspiring vision, communicates effectively, influences, motivates and develops people. I can see no evidence that Chief Schultz has demonstrated any of these traits.
The fact is he has lost all credibility from the officers. The police union president, Joey Sigala, claims that Chief Schultz is smart. The irony here is that Chief Schultz is not smart enough to know how he when he has lost all effectiveness and has no chance to correct anything without the “buy in” of the men and women wearing the badge. What can he possibly fix without the support of the department? He has lost all credibility and needs to step down for the best interest of the department. His staying around shows how disconnected he is and how it is all about him and his position of police chief. If he had the best interest of APD in mind and cared about the department as he claims, he would resign. That act alone might be the best example of leadership he has ever shown.
Some may say that Chief Schultz hasn’t been allowed to be chief. That is nothing but a cop out. It is ridiculous to blame anyone (Darren White, Mayor Berry or Mayor Chavez) for Chief Schultz not being able to do his job. He makes his own decision to follow what is right or wrong. For example, Chief Schultz had the chance to stand up to Mayor Chavez when he returned in 2005. He had his pension secured and did not need to be a “yes” man. He had the security to stand up for what was right and fight for what was wrong. However, for whatever reason, he decided to succumb to the politics of the position and make decisions that were in the best political interest of the time and not necessarily in the best interest for APD and the community. Everyone knows that the position of chief is political as it’s an appointment by the mayor. However, everyone is accountable for decision they make…..and he is no different.
In 2005, The Mayor Chavez push to hit 1100 sworn police officers directly and indirectly influenced the quality of candidates hired. The talk of that time was all about numbers, numbers, and more numbers. It was never about quality. Ask anyone who succeeded me at the Police Academy, worked in training, recruiting, polygraph, or psychological testing during the last six years. I sat through numerous meetings over police applicant selections where it was evident that getting numbers into Police Academy seats was the main focus. One of the main reasons I chose to retire in 2006 was as a result of seeing what was happening to the selection process…..it became very frustrating to me.
The process to become an APD officer is challenging, time consuming, and set up to identify only the best candidates. If left alone, the process will work 98% of the time. The real problems begin when the chief or deputy chiefs meddle in the process and don’t follow the consistent guidelines for each candidate. Driven by a desire to look good to the mayor or a desire to follow different rules based on who an applicant may know all serve to taint the process. This also increases the likelihood that more than the expected 2% to 3% will “sneak through.”
I agree with Chief Schultz that there will always be 2 to3 % that manage to get through no matter how good the process is. However, I don’t agree with the words “sneak through” that he used. Many of these hires were a result of ignoring the warning signs that were present in the applicant’s background and interviews….and that’s not sneaking to me.
Several people were interviewed to determine if they felt Schultz should step down or not, but how many have knowledge of life within the department and what goes on day to day on the inside. Since those people would be afraid to speak due to a fear of punishment or retaliation, how about conducting an internal survey by an outside group? This might yield different results than this article depicts. It is unbelievable to me that Mayor Berry kept Schultz to begin with, and continues to support him to this day. Schultz claims he still has a few things left to do on his list of 50 things. I think that mayor Berry has at least one thing left on his list…..and that’s getting a new chief……APD deserves it.
Steve Tate
Retired APD Lieutenant
The Eye concurs with this letter and must say BRAVO! to Commander Tate (Ret.)!
43 comments:
Well this certainly is a 'Pile Driver'
Now that's a sledgehammer for sure.
WOW! Unfortunately, this is a very accurate description of life in recruiting and the academy during that time. Saw it with my own eyes several times.
read joe monahan blog for August 30
www.joemonahan.com There are a lot of people who care about APD asking the questions that the Journal wouldn't.
Tate has always stood up for what is right!
Wow. Very touching. So who becomes the next Chief? Will they be allowed to perform any better under the current Mayor in this current political enviroment? Good for you Albuquerque! This is what you are asking for so hopefully you reap what you sow.
Let the letters start rolling in. I LOVE IT!!!!!
This is Brad Ahrensfield;
I have to say that I too was shocked and disappointed at the Sunday Journal article! I wrote a letter to Jeff Procter some months back when he wrote an article in the metro section about my case and quoted AUSA Greg Fouratt saying that the Government did not suppress evidence in my case!! I told him are you that much of a hack reporter that you only print what is spoon fed to you by the government, why can't you just do some real investigation and ask real questions? Now, that a Judge has written an opinion in that case and stated the government did suppress evidence and it was favorable to Brad, CANT YOU SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ADMINISTRATION LIES?? How many people who have worked there and put their own names to blogs does it take before the Journal and the rest of the media start to see the light? Ray Schultz is the problem! I noticed that the Journal with all their investigative skill, did not say how many pending lawsuits Shultz has against him for retaliation or other wrongful actions he has conducted or condoned! The facts aren't all out yet but it sure looks to me like the administation was willing and attempted to commit a felony with the changing of an official document in the Darren White debacle! The knee jerk reaction was to have a press conferance throw some medical records at the media and blame actions at the scene on AFD firemen and APD officers.OF COURSE!!!ITS NEVER THEIR FAULT!!! Schultz-do you so quickly forget that some time ago you were twittering away negative comments about a District Judge and it was all over the news, then hammered officers about their FB pages months later?? YOU set the example!! TRUE LEADERS INSPIRE BEHAVIOR NOT REQUIRE BEHAVIOR! Oh Ray dont forget I still know you lied in the Orlando Comacho deposition and I know you are trying to move the court date while the DOJ is here so you dont have to lie under oath yet again in front of the DOJ investigators, but trust me everyone will know you are gonna lie and they will be there to record it! My hats off to Steve Tate for having the intestinal fortitude to stand up and call a spade a spade I wish there were more like him.
Ray Schultz...You are a generic piece of work.
Whenever you discipline a FINE and UPSTANDING SGT for FLOATING his holiday based on MARK, THE BULLY, GARCIA'S word, you are a POS in my book!
What are you going to do? Give my Husband his THREE DAY HELD IN ABEYANCE for talking back to you? REALLY? Let me spell it out to you like this.... K-I-S-S M-Y A-S-S :)
YOU, RAYMOND SCHULTZ, gave Lance his discipline after you specifically told him that you understood that I, LYNETTE HOISINGTON, did not like you. What an interersting statement Ray, considering that my husband's supposed insubordination had NOTHING to do with me not liking you. Nor did his discipline have anything to do with how many times a day I called my husband.
FYI...to all the general people reading this, my husband, Lance Hoisington, got suspended 120 hrs without pay for floating is MLK holiday. Lt. Mark Garcia LIED OUT HIS ASS (Because he is a prick with plenty of "alleged" skeletons in his closet), and stated that my husband disobeyed a direct order from him. Really Mark? I call your Bullshit!
ANYONE Can look at my husband's record and see that disobeying ANYTHING is not in his nature.
So, with the above stated, why is it that me, LYNETTE HOISINGTON, is even brought up in my husbands discipline? Hmmm??? Is it because I openly defend APD and OPENLY tell this admin to kiss my ass? Don't deny it Raymond...because I ASSURE YOU, you will be PROVEN to have made those very statements :o)
Ray SCHULTZ is nothing but a JOKE. You deny and IGNORE Allegations against you but that doesn't make them go away. You want to discuss things Ray? Fell Free! You know how to reach me. I can guarantee you man, you have messed with the wrong bitch.
To Say that this CIVILLIAN is disgruntled and dissatisfied by the way you treat your rank and file is an understatement.
Whenever you practice what your preach, then you will be a man of your word. Until then, you are NOTHING but a hypocrite.
FURTHERMORE 5TH FLOOR: ANY AND ALL RETALIATION IN THE FORM OF COMMENTS OR UNDUE DISCIPLINE AGAINST MY HUSBAND OR ANY OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE SERVING HONORABLY ON THIS FORCE WILL BE REGARDED AS A DIRECT AND BLATANT REACTION TO MY COMMENTS. I am in NO WAY speaking on behalf of any HOISINGTON OFFICER who currently serves on APD. I AM speaking ONLY on my own behalf and am protected under the 1st ammendment. So, to sum it up....LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE.
Nice letter and I hope there. Are changes from the top down to lieuntant. Schultz has put his management skills and good ol boy sysytem in place for the next 15 or so years. The only way to rid the department of such dirt is to get rid of all his appointees who are at will employees. I've heard people say that it will never happen and I feel the same. That's why I don't feel there's a lot of hope for change or DOJ.
Well done Steve.
It dawned on me, did TJ really replace John Walsh? What a friggn joke. Banks, Fiest, and Paiz....pathetic.
THE UNTOUCHABLE BARBOA FOR CHIEF
Speaking of the current 5th floor staff, it is a shame DC Beth Paiz allowed herself to become one of "them". She used to speak her mind and hold her ground, but once that DC was put in front of her name, she is now a puppet as well. Where's Debbie Kiudis at a time like this? Where's Bob Stover at a time like this? They spoke their mind, and didn't put up with any bullshit !!!
I am Sam Costales' sister and I watched you lie under oath by saying you were totally unaware of the so-called retaliation going on with my brother and then one of your high ranked officers testified they kept you apprised of everything going on with Sam. You are a LIAR! My brother could never tell the things he witnessed at APD, the culture you bred under your dictator rule, during his career and now we know why. When he came back as a rehire and told the truth you attacked like a shark without a soul. Well, things come back to haunt you it's called KARMA . One day you will hurt as badly as you made others hurt. You and Darren may joke now, but one day it will get you in a way you never imagined. I hope that day is soon. I could careless if you stay in that job, because I don't work there. You and that tooth gapped overweight has been, Darren will get what you deserve. I'm glad my brother was one of your low points that you bought your way out by scheming with Kathryn Levy. I bet you look over your shoulder every day because so many people HATE you.
To the citizens of Albuquerque,
You are allowing them to win. The criminals are deflecting the REAL reasoning behind the shootings and you are falling for their manipulation. It is the system that is failing you, not your police department. I realize no one is perfect, the ONE bad shoot was taken care of and the officer was immediately terminated. DO NOT let that hinder your intelligence. These human beings were all dangerous. These human beings were all willing to put EVERYONE else in danger. Many of these people have been arrested time and time again, some for VERY VIOLENT acts of crime. WHY ARE THEY ALLOWED TO BE OUT ON THE STREETS? The mentally ill are crying out for help. The police are crying out to help them. IN one door and OUT the other, that is the systematic way of treating the mentally ill. There needs to be accountability on the part of the judicial system. If you are violent time and time again. If you commit crimes with no regard to public safety time and time again, you need to be in PRISON. You do not deserve to walking around amongst those that are law abiding citizens. You do not deserve to put others in danger for your selfish motives. Judges, YOU do not deserve to be on the bench if you are not going to protect the citizens of Albuquerque. The same citizens that have elected to and have allowed you to stay on the bench. You allow these violent felons to walk free, then their blood is on your hands. Doctors, you have taken a hypocratic oath. That oath requires those that are ill to receive treatment. Treatment that will allow those that are mentally ill to be healthy and keep EVERYONE safe. If someone that is mentally ill choses to self medicate which makes them even more violent- COMMIT them! You deserve to protect them, we deserve to be protected. Your police department is here FOR YOU. We can not do it alone. Hold those that are a part of this problem accountable. Give the city BACK to its citizens. DO NOT LET THE CRIMINALS dictate how WE ACT! They do not deserve that priviledge. DO NOT LET THEM WIN!
Seriously; after reading Lynette's letter to Ray, I had take a cold shower. You are one fiesty, pissed off moma.
I could feel the heat off my computer screen. Hope you did as well Ray. She has scolded you like no ones business. Must be some Irish in that girl for sure.
YOU GO GIRL !
Ray, why should the public think you can fix the problem at APD when you were at the helm when the problems raised their ugly heads?
Remember RJ's platform when running for Mayor. He was gonna clean up APD because his truck was stolen, burned and under the "current" chief at that time APD did nothing about it. Turns out it was one of his own employees, he must be a dream to work for. I think every city employee would agree with that. Then he appoints the same APD chief "Schultzy" who wouldn't solve his crime WTF. I knew from the start RJ was a POS with this BS. And I voted for him! This blame game has got to stop. RJ's been in for almost 2 yrs and he with APD & AFD keep blamming the last admin. Get over your Obamasizing and take responsibility!
To Lynnette: I admire you passion, just be careful. When I spoke out my house was shot at 9 times. No investigation on that one, no suprise.
Only Mayor Berry can fix the problems at APD. FIRE RAYMOND SCHULTZ!
Ray "I know nossing" Schultz is a consummate control freak. As APOA president Joey Sigala stated, he keeps facts and figures at his fingers. Yet he always is "out of the loop" or "isn't aware" of whatever crisis is at hand.
Whether it's Costales, Comacho, Ahrensfield, Young, Hoisington, or whomever, Schultz is always in the loop. Look who he promotes, they do nothing but relay information to him. Fat ass Tommy Henderson would run up to Ray Ray as fast as his stubby little legs would carry him to get info to him.
For Schultz to say he doesn't know what's going on is beyond untruthful; it's tragic.
Joey, How can you embarrASS yourself like that, saying that Ray Schultz is the smartest person you know?
JHC man have you no shame?
Then again, with somebody's who IQ is 10, no wonder you think Ray is smart.
You didn't even pass any PD requirements to be on the force.
This is so entertaining and comical - the comments, not the situation. I have always noted that police officers, EMTs, fire fighters, ER staff, OMI staff, etc. - are in the thick of the most tragic circumstances and have the best sense of humor. May there be more comments forthcoming - This might be the means to the end (of Schultz and Company). Very ballsy of Lynette to comment, and yes, she should be careful although at this point no one dare retaliate. She may be setting a precedent.
They never better shoot at my house or any other because I will protect my family at ANY and I do mean ANY cost.
Yawn!!! some people bitching about the same people!!! Lynette you might be the classiest chick on earth! and Steve has a reason to be pissed, he tried to come back as a rehire under Schultz and was denied... Why you ask, because he is a chronic complainer... Who else but this blog needs that!
Seriously "Yawn" that's all you've got to say about Tate's article? He didn't try to come back as a re-hire. He was asked by 2 commanders to come back and help out with backgrounds and red light cameras. Of course SCHULTZ wouldn't take him back to recruiting....He knew too much of what a joke of a process that was.. One of those commmanders went to the chief on his behalf and was transferred. You are so far up the Chief's ASS, believe what you want. The majority of the department knows TATE and knows he couldn't stay here to allow shit to come through just to meet a number.
Thanks for the comment August 31, 2011 2:54 pm! I would address using your name instead of calling you a DATE and a TIME, but where you feel I lack in class, everyone here is sure to see you lack in guts. Next!
Garcia worships the devil and its no wonder he is as untouchable as barboa.
Props to Lynette for calling out Schultz. Use 48, please, to proceed against that clique, whatever you do use 48.
What does it mean to "float a holiday"?
To flot a holiday means you work the holiday instead of taking it off. You take the holiday off at a different time,you float the holiday until another date.
Lynette here: I see that the common thread amongst these comments is "use caution",
be careful", "your house could get shot up". I'm sure people have their choice words they reserve for me, however MURDERER or ATTEMPTED MURDERER has never been one of them. WAY TO GO RAY SCHULTZ! Any reason why these people would be making such brash statements? Absolutely pathetic.
I am waiting for one of the people spilling the beans to be found in an arroyo someplace - if a man, wearing a wig and pumps. If a woman, with fake needle marks. This is beginning to sound like Chicago during prohibition. Don't cross certain members of L/E.
Hoisintgton you should go file a IA against Garcia. Tape recorders are our best friends make sure you got fresh batteries every day.
I'm sure the people who are "spilling" the beans have everything they are saying documented and are covering their butts very well. Enough people have come out, that if one single hair on anyone's head is touched, the gates of hell will be opened.
to poster September 1, 2011 4:14:00 PM MDT
Lynette here....an IA complaint was filed against Garcia. It was filed against Garcia because in his initial "investigation" that he had opened on my husband, he stated he gave Lance a DIRECT ORDER not to float his holiday on MLK...LMAO! Which of course, is a ridiculous statement and a damn lie.
So, whenever he finalized his investigation against Lance, and my husband saw the blatant LIE that was put in the report, he went straight to IA. At that point, IA squashed Garcia's investigation and my husband (and Garcia supposedly) got sent an I letter for a sanction 1 (UNTRUTHFULLNESS).
Interesting enough, whenever he(Lance) was interviewed by Mark Velarde in IA, NOT A SINGLE F'ING THING was brought up about my Mark Garcia's UNTRUTHFULLNESS. The only thing that Velarde questioned was why Lance felt he had the right to float his holiday whenever Garcia stated he could not...(Which btw, Garcia NEVER said that...heard it with my own damn ears.)
So basically, Garcia lies, once again, and nothing happens to him. From what I hear, this is not the first time he has lied and has tried to get an officer in trouble.
My question is, why is a LT still working with this dept if he is a KNOWN liar? Hmmmm? I guess it must be a prerequesite for the job these days.
Honestly, I can completely understand why the public has no trust in the pd. Hell, the officers who work IN the PD can't even trust their own superiors. How in the hell can the public trust them? It's very sickening.
Sorry Lynette but your husbands worst days are ahead of him. Schultz likes to wait until officers think they are safe, then he sends their suspension to the LEA board (which he is a member of). My advice is not to waste time on a two-faced union attorney. Start saving now so you can get a decent one. The LEA board loves to support Schultz and will suspend certifications for additional time. Its a nasty trick, and he uses it all the time. Be prepared, he could wait another year before sending it to the board. Be safe. Schultz is a retalitory SOB.
OH YEAH LOTS OF DOCUENTATION ON THE UNTOUCHABLE POPEYE
It just occured to me, there was a news piece that showed how the Chief is paying the Albuquerque Journal for putting the most wanted propety criminals up on saturdays. He pays them $250,000 a year. That's why the abq journal is treating him so good. Time to cancel my subscription...
So what will it take for concerned citizens to stand up to this leadership. If a citizen or two are willing to put their names out there (knowing full well retaliation is possible) what can a citizen do? Where do we go? How can we help?
Who's afraid of the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf? I'M NOT!
Shut up!
Wow, Shultzie just keeps digging himself a deeper grave, doesn't he? Keep digging my dear friend, your almost ready to lie in it.
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