Several Months ago, Officers were called into the IT Office to have their computers transitioned to Radio IP. This transition was a supposed upgrade and allegedly cost the department millions of dollars.
Instead of an upgrade, Radio IP is a definite downgrade. Soon after having it installed, officers were going into the office, begging to have it removed. They were told "no" because everyone had to have Radio IP installed. It did not matter that it wasn't working properly. It did not matter that the officers in the unit would temporarily fix the problem, however the program would become unworkable shortly after being "fixed".
When working, officers are able to pull vehicle registrations, dispatched calls, warrant checks, etc. When Radio IP isn't working, officers are not able to do any of those things.
Two weeks ago, the entire system went down AGAIN. The city was forced to pay thousands of dollars in overtime for the Lieutenant, Sergeant, numerous officers, and several civilians to work on each computer individually to try to get the program running. Well, the fix lasted less than two weeks and the employees are back to square one.
Part of the problem is training and experience. The IT unit is comprised of sworn officers that came from varying backgrounds, none of which was computer technology. A couple of the officers were detectives, one was a field officer who had just left the academy, another was an officer that was brought in because she was on ILD due to a pregnancy. Computer classes were taken AFTER being brought into the unit. Are these positions that are really necessary and beneficial for sworn police officers? It seems like computer college students from UNM could be doing better. The trained civilians in tech services seem to be doing much better than the sworn officers.
Does the city not care about officer safety? Officers can not run the registration or warrant checks for subjects prior to making contact. Officers can not receive dispatches and have to constantly ask the dispatcher to repeat the calls. Officers can not pull the "hazards" from the call. "Hazards" are a type of warning to the officers about any safety issues that the location or subject may be involved in. For example, a hazard may flag a mentally unstable subject that has threatened to kill police officers should they come to his/her house.
It seems like Chief Schultz acted on impulse yet again and chose to "fix" something that was not even broken. Should there have been a trial period, the glitches of the system could have been found before spending the money, before wasting the resources, before wasting the "airtime" having to broadcast every single thing, before placing the officers in a more dangerous situation every day.
45 comments:
What up with the Peaches and Darren these days? Lying low after the Expo Scam I suppose. When does incompetency ever catch up to these slim.
So how did police officers do their job before the advent of computers in the 80's and 90's?
The computer system is a "nice to have" tool but should not be a necessity. If police and support personnel cannot do their job because technology they are used to is not functioning then we have a serious personnel problem.
Law enforcement requires people with good head's on their shoulders not machines. Ask a cop that worked the streets back in the 80's and he would laugh his/her ass off about this article.
ALL the city's IT people are a joke. Clint Hubbard?? He wouldn't know the difference between an Atari and Commodore 64 and couldn't fix either one without shipping it out to Computer Corner.
Joke, joke, joke. It's a department for clowns and run by clowns. Look at what they did with PeopleSoft! CLOWNS!!!
What expo scam? What did Dumb and Dumber do now?
WOW; with a shortage of officers, why would you put a trained, sworn officer in the IT field. AFD is doing the same thing, but worse. AFD has FF's giving out supplies and IT! The taxpayers are getting ripped off! A TWENTY year retirement to screw up computers and hand out bandages? Come on Mayor Berry, get to the bottom of this. A dangerous job is one thing, but, this is a SCAM!
The AFD SCAM is a horrendous rip off of the taxpayer. This is where a certain family member of COA Chief Spokesman for the City's negotiating team (John Martinez)hides out. This person didn't even show up to his CPR refresher class. The participant roster, his test, and test score were pencil whipped for him; isn't that right newly promoted Commander Green? Come on Lt. Painter admit that this happened right in front of you and when you questioned it the newly promoted Commander said and did nothing.
Here is the scam in AFD tech services:
A take home car for some; though they have absolutely NO NEED for one. Do ANY of you CITY employees claim the fringe benefit of a take home car on your taxes like your supposed to?
A city issued cell phone to which they are compensated 16 hours of comp time. Another unfunded blank check liability that the taxpayer will have to pay years down the road. They very rarely to NEVER get a phone call related to Tech Services issues. When the phone does ring they hardly never answer it or they are not able to respond to anyones needs in a timely manner.
No personal accountability from the chain of command i.e. ( they come in late to work, leave early from work, picking up and dropping off kids in the aforementioned take home car,).
Take classes while on duty while others have to do it on their own time, dime, and leave.
Congrats Chief Breen, you and your Administration are no different than the last in that you've continued and carry on in AFD true fashion the culture of no ethics, entitlement mentality, good old boy cronyism!
Election 2013 could not come soon enough.
Hahaha--Peoplesoft what a joke - doesn't even work! They say they're expanding it so that employees can manage their own personal accounts, make changes to address, tax info., etc. It won't even take our passwords.
Could you imagine spending thousands if no millions of dollars on an unproven program and not being held accountable??? The sales people have it figured out. Spend $100.00 on lunch and the civilians will buy anything. Ray Boy doesn't have a clue of what is purchased by these clowns!! People need to be held accountable for our tax money. How many I-Pads have been purchased to play games on?? Well Ray Boy we the citizens are waiting for an answer!
Oh he knows exactly what's up with the software. It's called Copperfire and it was bought from two retired APD employees. Kickbacks, preferential treatment, and cronyism, Yea we're still in teh 1800's. Albuquerque, the jurassic park of politics, where there are no labor laws, and they make up the rules as they go along. Ain't they gonna be surprised when they find out about this new fangled US Supreme Court thing?
I been with the Department for 9 years now. And Radio IP is a complete Joke. Copperfire is a Complete Joke, Tiberon a complete joke. These "Upgrades" have only made my job more stressful due to the lack of Stability, support but also made me far less efficient with my time. I heard a 34 once say "1990's programs with 1980s Infrastructure 2005 PC with 2050 program viruses". Now that is the Truth... Now Report Review is saying officers are now missing reports and expect 34s to know where they are at when they are sent off. I wonder how old the server is that runs this outdated software!!!!
REALLY?!?! We're worried about a computer unit with 4 cops on it? Those cops bust their ass to help officers every time there is a problem with their computer. They go as far as letting you come to their home to fix it on their off time. I'm sorry but I am totally against bashing people who try to help others when you have a group of people in power that cut the throats of officers out there who are doing their jobs. Let's stay focused here shall we!
Raymond D Schultz was found to have violated ANOTHER officer's rights and due process because he thinks morals and mans laws don't apply to him.
His deputy was just following orders.
Hey ray that is what they are all going to say when asked you dope!
Just like the illegal questions you direct those drones down at IA to ask.
They are all going to give your sorry ass up. There is no honor among cowards and dishonest creeps.
You mean Crapperfire?
It's funny that in the Camacho trial, Shultz stated that he did not believe Retired Homicide Detective Frank Flores findings in the criminal investigation regarding Camacho. One thing that Shultz has secretly shared is that he also did not believe Brad Ahrensfield's testimony in the criminal trial. I see something very interesting here, if Shultz did not believe Detective Flores finding, why did Shultz not have an investigation done on Flores like he did on Brad Ahrensfield? Remember Shultz had Ahrensfield's transfer from SWAT to the Academy placed on hold until this investigation was completed and guess what, the investigation concluded what Ahrensfield testified to was accurate. Why would Shultz even question a Homicide Detective that has over 100 cases under his belt in the first place? Shultz I think your days of picking and choosing who you go after are coming to an end.
I do not live in New Mexico, but I do travel extensively in the Southwest and the Southeast for business reasons. Until very recently, I would stay in Albuquerque when I had to do business in north central New Mexico. Albuquerque has a terrible reputation as a crime-ridden, corrupt city. I keep up with the goings-on in all the markets I'm responsible for and have learned over time why Albuquerque's reputation is so bad. The only city I have been a victim of crime is Albuquerque (car burlaries 3x). I do business in El Paso, Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, San Antonio, Little Rock, New Orleads, etc. and have only had problems in Albuquerque. I now understand why that it. I discovered this blog recently and now have a clear understanding of your fair city's poor police department. Police officers apparently shoot unarmed citizens and get by with it. Two officers get fired for arresting a violent, dangerous felon, and your chief of police has been proven to be a fool in court. Obviously, your mayor is either a fool or corrupt or both! Now, according to this article, police officers cannot communicate properly! I have decided not to stay in Albuquerque when I have business in the area...instead, I will stay in Santa Fe and drive the extra miles in order to conduct my business. I no longer feel safe in Albuquerque and it is apparent to me that the citizens of Albuquerque deserve the bad national reputation that their city has earned! May God have mercy on your souls.
In all actuality, if Schultz has sworn cops doing IT work then he is actually saving the tax payer. IT pays way more than being a cop.
I'll support the statement by the IT cop. They have been helpful and they did not create their positions. I still like Chevi better though KK no offense.
To poster who stated "he is actually saving the tax payer. IT pays way more than being a cop."
That is a lie. An APD/AFD personnel in these IT/Tech Sevices divisions make no less than $50,000 a year in base pay and that is being on the conservative side of base pay. Then you have to factor in the perks these officers/firefighters receive that a ordinary civilian IT person would not receive such as PERA/20 year retirement benefit, union contract mandated skill pay, assignment pay, take home car, phone, comp time for merely carrying the cell phone, union mandated raises.
A civilian IT person does not make the pay or receive the benefits of the uniformed police officer/firefighter if they did there would be a line out the door with those applying for city IT positions.
Lie to someone else, I know the truth.
Mr. Williamson,
I truly am sorry that you feel that unsafe. I am also sorry that it makes you feel like you need to change the way you do things in your life. As police officers, it is our job to preserve your way of life. I am sorry you feel that we failed in this. Please believe that there are officers out there that work hard every day . Your trust and belief in them means everything. A real cop takes the job for that reason. There are officers who would risk or even lose their life to protect you and your family. Again this is why we do the job. Please know that we are out there and that we fight against the system and an administration that does not back us. Today officers are paying an unfair price for doing their job. Your insight is correct. There is high level corruption within this city. We are fighting that too. Please have faith in the good officers out there. One good tough fair street cop makes up for any that are bad. One good cop makes up for a corrupt administration. I can tell you that Albuquerque has several outstanding officers. Alot are afraid of this administration because of a few current events. Right and wrong is not the issue in Albuquerque. politics is king here. Inexperienced leadership is evident.
When an administration looks out for itself, or should I say one or two people like the mayor and police chief, look out for themselves, it makes a city very dangerous because it causes everyone to watch their backs. When that is happening, who is watching the citizen's backs?
There are so many good people that do not deserve this. There is true clarity in your post, but please don't misdirect it towards the officer who tries hard every day and cares about you. Direct it outward, letting everyone you know what the real problem plaguing Albuquerque is. Self serving political city administrators such as the police chief and a mayor who backs him because he knows no better. For the time being we are trying to do the best with a dishonest and corrupt top tier. We all will get through this. Good has to win.
Travel safely and best wishes.
The chief is probably trying to hang on till he lands a cushy new job. Problem is, the longer he hangs on the less desirable he's going to be. Like fruit rotting on the vine. Go ahead and hang on until the whole tree is sucked dry you leach. Most people learn from their mistakes especially when every single plan backfires in their face to the point that they are running out of every courtroom and meeting red faced. RED FACED RED FACED RED FACED. Like someone spraypainted his head.
I love everybody
Ive never had a problem with the IT people. In fact I respect them to take on such a task. I bet they are just as frustrated with this obsolete
software.
And to you Mr. Williamson I really doubt you exist as a "business person" People who travel like you say you do wont come post on the eye on Albuquerque. Not Buying your story sir. No need to put on or make up "titles" to complain here people.
Next Post I am to claim I am traveling Dr. who preforms abortions, and rant how I Travel to 3rd world countries, but only in Albq I am constant victim, AND claim to understand how Albq now "Works" based off this blog! hahahah
Dear Mr. Earl C. Williamson.
I sure hope your business decisions are better then your parking decisions. Really got broken into 3 times? And only in Albuquerque you been a victim? I can tell you right now your story is 90% fluff. And
Clearly you watch the news and believe only what they say.
May God have mercy on your ignorant soul and "business"
@ the cop who makes more than City IT
My bad, CABQ.gov IT makes crap I guess...too bad for them. What a displacement of resources if you ask me. After all, ,if you have no IT infrastructure in CABQ.gov then you have no available resources whatsoever, including your paycheck with all your "perks" Mr. HighDollarGuy.
The City of Albuquerque has clerical staff tasked to take emergency calls and in records for APD. Why are sworn staff doing the same at AFD? Shouldn't it also be clerica staff tasked to these positions?
Using the "old" systems for Accounting did NOT require an entire support staff. The staff that supports People Soft are VERY well paid. Why are the taxpayers OK with this? These positions had to be created for People Soft. MARS/G and EMPATH worked!
Wow. It seems your police chief couldn't lead a load of shit down the toilet let alone run a department.
Hi. My name is Tim Harrington. Just wanted to put that out there with some other facts. Fact #1, I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology. I earned that degree SEVERAL years BEFORE working in the IT unit. In fact, the degree was one of the reasons I was recruited into the unit. That along with my 8 years of field work and 7 years as a SE Generalist/Impact detective. Fact #2, every sworn detective in the unit has a background in either computers, teaching, electrical, or a combination of those. You should really check your sources before saying someone doesn't have any job computer experience. Fact #3, one of the reasons for having sworn officers in these positions, is because we ARE cops, we know the job, we've done the job, and therefore know how the IT will relate to the job. If you know these "UNM students" who seem like they could do better and are cops, please have them come teach me. I am always willing to learn. And, in general, IT personnel make more than what we currently make with 19 years experience. I think people forget that we go through and have gone through the same training as all cops, on top of any specialized training for our unit. The same procedure as any specialized detective unit in ABQ. Fact #4, if you think a computer or lack thereof is compromising your officer safety, then you are using it wrong. It is like any other piece of equipment you have. It is a tool. If it fails, you move on to the next tool. Adapt and overcome people. There is no replacement for common sense, and if you don't have that, you will never be a good cop, because it is the most important tool a cop has. Fact #5, this is a very hard working unit. We have civilians and sworn who each bring something to the table and we work as a TEAM. And, all of us have helped officers in the field and in our homes while off duty, without claiming compensation, because we really do want our brothers and sisters to have all of their equipment up and running. IT is time consuming and a lot of work. There will always be issues with programs whether it be the programs actually working or just maintenance on them. So, those are the facts. I get tired of this site bashing me and my colleagues with opinions and zero facts. If you ever have any questions about IT, I'm happy to answer them and if I don't know the answer, I'm happy to look one up for you. Again, my name is Tim Harrington. I never quite get why people here never leave their names. Weird.
Bravo for you, Tim Harrington!!! You are like a torch in the darkness here, although I think you might have used too many big words for these whining sniveling little snots to fully grasp what you said.
Well I hate all those IT guys and gals except Tim cause he uses his name! The system and the rest of them suckers can be flushed!
Right on Tim! you owe no one an explanation. You and Steve have helped me immensely on wether you were on the clock or off and you always answered your phones. If you missed the call, you called me right back. You all did right by me any time I needed help. Don't let the bullshit get to you. There are always going to be crybabies who operate off of lies and rumors. It seems like that is what APD is run by any more. Keep up the great work. You and your team are appreciated! It just seems that schultz's crap is polluting this whole department. That is why things are spilling over. Have a great NewYear!
Mr. Harrington, IT work is hard and demanding. I do it for a living, but I don't have a twenty year retirement for a "PUBLIC SAFTEY" job. If IT work is being done in the scope of an investigation that is one thing, but doing it as a tecnician is another. PLEASE, put on your bullet proof vest and give your "BROTHERS and SISTERS" some needed help! SKATER!
Probably someone Tim arrested!
Again officers who complain here make up 1 % o the department. The ones who can't promote, can't further their education, and are miserable with their mundane lives. Get a new job if you are worth so much!!!
Ref 10:27, your department is made up of sheep. If there are 1% making the noise here then I guess we know who the real cops are here don't we? They're not you boot licker.
Don't you all know why you got Hubbard in the first place? Who bought Peoplesoft? Right. Hubbard.
Ref 1/1 10:27
You are full of shit. Anyone and I mean anyone who would take the side of this crooked administration is either one of them or one of their yes men promised a favor or further grooming for a nice cushy position or promotion. Not one cop has the morale they should have due to these scum bags. The only people delighted are either bums who never do a damn thing anyway and care only about themselves or the above mentioned cretins. You should like the same asshole who posted earlier about how everyone is disgruntled because of their pathetic lives. Well, no one is mort pathetic that someone like you who supports corruption for personal gain. There are still people out there who need to be able to look in the mirror and respect what they see rather that bouncing balls off of their chins for a hobby. There will always be a dickhead in the crowd.
Peoplesoft is fine...it's the idiots who don't know how to run it that is the problem. Go up to payroll and see for yourself. From Karen Salazar on down aren't fit to be banker's in Monopoly but yet that's who's processing your checks.....
Computer cops/firfighters?
You know how fast that scam would come an end?
When the state legislature makes an amendment to the PERA schedule detailing what qualifies for police/fireighter assignmemt duty/work and anybody NOT assigned to the rigors or dangers of the hazardous duty of police/firefighter field work do not meet the requirements for PERA schedule 5
20 year retirement plan.
These wanna be IT guys assigned to the "Geek Squad" would drop the whole "we serve a vital and necessary public safety function" argument and return it back to the underpaid, non essential IT professionals. Which isn't a bad idea in this economy it would provide jobs and at least provide a start for someone just out of school but self absorbed, greedy money grubbers like these individuals would never give up their fiefdom.
Bankers in monopoly.......
Ahhhhhhhhhhahahahahahahahahahahah!
I think I just pissed myself.
Do monopoly bankers hate police officers too?!?!?
The legislature should make this a priority. PLEASE start with the AFD alarm room, then move over to "tech no service", move on to supply. The taxpayers will gain at least 20 Fire Fighters. The numbers are higher at APD, after purging the SLACKERS/KISSASS'S, more than 35 officer will and should be on the streets! What say you Mayor Berry, Chief Breen, Chief Schultz?
They won't answer you. The cowards can't even give you the courtesy of looking you in the face let alone giving you a strait answer. I wonder what the life of a gutless snake is like. They should be run out of here.
Ok St.Francis as if that is you're real name? Hypocrit
St. Francis please change your name because you are a fake and no one takes you serious anymore.
Why doesnt APD commission the AFD we will reach our 1000 goal maybe. Seems that we have a common thread "ass kissing" to get anywhere.
I am not a fake. There is a special place in hell smoking turds with the devil and all those sinners on the 5th floor.
Enjoy it.
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