For over the last year there has been considerable talk about a federal Department of Justice investigation of APD. The desire to have an objective investigation into APD’s patterns and practices comes in the wake of many events and identification of trends. From a significant spike in police involved shootings to a seemingly endless docket of litigation against the department (frequently by current APD officers against Chief Schultz) to persistent doubt by the community, APD’s luster remains challenged and tarnished.
With upwards of a 1000 officers, the Albuquerque Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. The APD is tasked with jurisdiction within the city of Albuquerque and, as needed, the county of Bernalillo. Overlapping the city of Albuquerque with police jurisdiction is the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department and the New Mexico State Police. Within the city of Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico Police Department and the City of Albuquerque Aviation Police Departments have tightly defined geographic areas of authority. Many have asked, well what would happen if the DOJ came in and started to an investigation? How deep would the investigators dig, and more importantly what would happen with what is found? Another question to consider, but not asked, is what would investigators identify as missing? It’s clear that Chief Schultz is the absent minded chief who never seems to know the details of any issue of concern despite being the chief of the largest police force in the state. Would he be sidelined while agents and attorneys from Washington take over the department and enforce a consent decree? Our Eyes tell us that with so many people in APD serving in what can only be described as a patronage system much would go missing. Despite Chief Schultz constantly posturing how hi-tech APD is with a paperless reporting system, digital lapel cameras, computerized evidence management systems, and its own IT staff, lawyers tell us getting information from APD is as hard as ever. Also, with so many people placed in positions outside of their merit we would expect many to file retirement paperwork. CAO Rob Perry recently made a bold statement that private activity concurrent with on the clock employment time would addressed as fraud. Given the sheer emptiness of APD’s main police station every Friday, one must wonder what so many folks in management are doing… Given the current state of the department’s management, it seems such massive change would not be a bad idea.
But it seems as of late we can have a hint of what is coming. Our Eyes tell us, and we ourselves have seen, an increased presence of officers from the NMSP patrolling the city. They have been seen setting up laser-speed enforcement tac-plans on frontage and side roads, and they have been seen patrolling and making vehicle stops in locations far and removed from the freeways. Our Eyes tell us these activities are unprecedented. It is no secret that officers within APD naturally view the city as their “turf” and but several officers have told us that to see an officer from NMSP within the city and NOT on the freeway creates a very noticeable impression. Perhaps this is coincidence. But perhaps NMSP Chief Shilling decided that since the city of Albuquerque is within his jurisdiction he has a duty to maintain order there as well. IF APD is subject to a DOJ investigation, and its management is scrutinized in a way they deserve to be, then it seems reasonable there will be a sizable chilling effect upon APD’s ability to do its job. As a department that promotes being “In step with the community” it has indeed lost its cadence with the people it is sworn to serve.
Foothills Area Commander Cliff Saylor recently sent an email to several neighborhood associations indicating a list of “failures” that led APD into many of the recent shootings. Should APD be subject to a DOJ investigation, Chief Shultz would no doubt leave because, as he repeatedly states “he knows nothing.” But one has to consider that if the DOJ comes in to investigate APD, then it is only because APD’s management has failed the citizens of Albuquerque. By Chief Schultz’s own admissions, APD is in a state of failure. And for once we agree with him.
PS-We find Retiring Commander Cliff Saylor's comments to be cheap, repulsive and not truly reflective of the majority of APD personnel. Blaming people and/or circumstances of the people who have been shot by APD is the same as blaming a domestic violence victim for the treatment they have received. Notwithstand, police work does involve the use of force at time but disrespecting the dead or injured is as wrong as you can get. Families are mourning and grief struck over their losses; Saylor last minutes attempt at a despicable act hoping to be promoted higher in the Schultz fascism cult clearly shows what type of person he truly is.
46 comments:
Keep pressure on the liar schultz and everyone else on the 5th floor. Everyone reads this site; even if they don't admit to it.
Commandor Saylor made a bold and truthful statement. Most 34's liked what they heard, they just couldn't believe it came from him. Good job Cliff!!!!!!!!
Bored, with nothing to do I watched the city council meeting April 26. Councilor Lewis,surprisingly, brought Schultz up to the podium and really questioned him hard about several things. Did anyone know that the city has spent over $64,000,000 in police lawsuits since 2004? Wow there is part of Paseo del Norte.
Then Lewis questioned Schultz about the APOA's missing quarter of a million dollars and why Schultz has not investigated it. Schultz's answer is why we need the DOJ. Schultz said he cannot order an investigation without a complaint from a victim, huh? I was floored when I heard this, but he said it. He did state that once he receives a complaint he would do a search warrant and seize the APOA's books etc. He also stated that he would place those involved on Admin duty, once he received the complaint.
Why does someone have to file a complaint? Why isn't Fred Mowers email enough to raise a red flag? This is why the DOJ needs to come in, this is just stupid.
Since Schultz wants a complaint are there any victims (I guess they would be police officers) willing to send him a letter and request an investigation into the APOA and their books? I think you cops should flood his office with short letters requesting a full investigation, be sure to send them to the media so Schultz will have to act.
Yup, troopers were doing 54s on Lomas and MLK this morning. Very weird. I have no doubt this is chapp'n Schultz's ass. And u can bet everybody in city hall is watch'n how they drive.
I take great umbrage with your final paragraph wherein you find Commander Saylor's comments to be cheap, repulsive and not truly reflective of a majority of APD personnel. The "Eye" is failing to recognize the increasing ills and declining morality of the American society, part of which Commander Saylor pointed out as potential contributing factors. The "Eye' has also failed to accept the theory of prsonal responsibility which was/is a cornerstone of what has made this country the best in the world. How the "Eye does not see these concerns is beyond me.
How the "Eye" can put forth the idea that Commander Saylor's statements were in hopes of garnering a promotion after examing your perspective is beyond comprehension.
We all think Commander Saylor said those things because he knew he was not going to be promoted to DC when DC Paiz retires in a few days... And he then decided to retire...
As a 34, I appreciate Saylor's frustration because he is saying what many in APD are thinking. BUT how we feel is secondary to what we do and how we are perceived. Schultz will LIE AGAIN as he spins this. The stupid paper's editorial is NOT out of line but let's see if they ONCE AGAIN give Schultz a pass. And oh yeah, this shit with NMSP is frkn weird!!! Something is up for sure.
Our eyes tell us... "an increased presence of officers from the NMSPD patrolling the city." Really, c'mon guys that's weak... APD is in such disarray and schultz is the captain of this sinking ship, we all know it. So no need for dramatizations with stories like this that lack new information/facts/details. If any other law enforcement entity decides to make an assertive effort within the city of ABQ it would be the BCSO as the Sheriff has resources in the immediate area who are also immediately accessible. Oh and by the way, as an elected official it would be in his best interest to do so if it was such a scenerio of "a hint of what is coming." The fact is the NMSPD does a high amount of traffic enforcement and the ABQ metro area happens to have the largest amount of motorist in the state. NMSPD for the most part responds to calls for service involving the interstate and in jurisdictions where there is a lack of 34's or limited 82. Other than that, much of what they do is traffic enforcement and drug interdiction. If NMSPD started showing up to calls for service or better yet, if their communications section took over APD Dispatch, then this story would have some merit. Let the house of cards tumble as it may, but please lets keep up with the credibility. There is a WHOLE LOT more out there than this.
I saw the staties on MLK this morning as well. I think its great. Given how Schultz was such a dick to them a few weeks ago I'm not surprised. U won't see people from 5th or 1th floor getting any breaks. Go get'm Robert.
To the person identifying themselves as David Gilmore, get a grip. Even if Saylor was right, does it do anybody any good to spike the football like his email asserts? In as many words he says if you only listened to me you wouldn't be dead and just so you know it's your own fault! Well guess what, Shultz's behavior rolls downhill. We as citizens can expect the same " I didn't know" and " I'm unaware of this" attitude Schultz models. Is that how a major city police department is supposed to operate? Is that how the best of the best really are. Saylor did nobody any good with that letter except stroke his own ego.
I concur. Cliffs letter was not recieved well but is how most people feel and otherwise support APD.
As far as NMSP is converned. Yeah Right. They are enforcing their STEP, Seat belt and DWI tac plans. Thats it. They get more citations here in ABQ and thats it.
I would like to see NMSP answer calls for service here in ABQ on a Friday night and attempt to handle the Bars downtown. They dont have the manpower. That would be a site to see.
Irregardless all the LEO's out there deserve our respect for putting on the uniform in this selfish society.
APD, BCSO, RRDPS, NMSP, SCSO, VCSO and TCSO all have tough jobs working in the Metro Area of Albuquerqe. Keeps your heads up and continue doing one of the only honorable jobs left in America.
God Bless you all and protect you.
DEFENDE NOS EN LA PRAELO
Thank you Commander C. Saylor for having the stones to say what is true without a doubt. I agree with David Gilmore 100%. When will people accept the responsibility for their own children and relatives? police cannot be expected to turn the other cheek when they are faced with life and death situations. Why is it always the fault of the police when their hand was forced to take deadly action ? Everyone wants a big piece of pie when Junior F's up.
huh take over dispatch?? have you ever heard the way they dispatch
Saylor is a real turd and so is Gilmore. Mrs.Saylor, no doubt is looking to find his place in politics. Cant wait!
Roseman/Lopez dont be bragging about your number for bait cars. When offenders go to trail it will be entrapment. Keep spending all that money Schultz on a program that is not worthy. Typical. In a few years everyone will be talking about the waist of money.
Cliff may look like the "man" right now and since he wrote that letter. Why didn't he write 5 years ago?
Brandenberg your talking about how good all the cop cases were that you presented to Grand Juries. How about the cases that you DIDN"T present becuase you KNEW they were not good shoots. All those boxes of files with names on them???? What did you finally do with them.
The BCSO Cop who shot tht guy who stole a bus????? Sherrif you know that was a bad use of force, what are you gonna do?
Every day I wake up and read the eye it is like Christmas. To see these cockroaches exposed is a joy I can't express with words.
Hey beth, you could have been the one to have integrity and held your head high on the way out, but you chose to fold like a wet paper bag instead. You fell in with the cruds. You had a lot of people fooled. You are running out of the back door disgraced from an agency and officers you have failed and betrayed. Good luck in life. May you enjoy your DC pension that was worth way more than your integrity. Hope it was worth it. May the next digs be "just right" Goldilocks. You are the one who has to live with the shame of what you have done and been a part of.
I can't believe I am actually commenting on this site but I have to say that all this bad press on APD is outrages!! Have the DOJ do an investigation and watch all the cops not do their jobs because they are in fear of making headline news!!! It's all the hippie minded people in NM that think that there should always be a peaceful resolution to any situation!! And then you hippies get upset when you think there should have been deadly force!! Just to give you a reason to protest at roosevelt park so you can blow smoke up your asses of why the cops are not doing their jobs!! Please "eye" write an article about these people who were shot by APD!! Investigate them and why the outcome lead to being shot by APD.. Support the men & woman who risk their lives and want to come home to their families!!
You would seriously compare a person who was carrying out a violent crime and was shot by police with a domestic violence victim. I have long though you had some tie to Law Enforcement but now....well just answered that one. Saylor had no aspirations of promotion. He had been planning his retirement for months before that letter. You need to research what a DOJ Investigation consists of. There are many types and responses from a small continget spending a few days looking over everyting to the most extreme of taking over the agency and administering it. So in that extreme which has rarely ever happened the Chief is not completely sidelined. Secondly it usually results in Officers taking a 100% reactive approach so as a citizen I would just move all of my belongings to the sidewalk and save my front door from getting kicked in. Research New Orleans when it happened to them...that was extreme and even then it really had no teeth...but it destroyed the morale of the Dept which in over 20 years has never recovered. As for State police you Black helicopter types shoul realize that they have no more power than any other cop. They will not take over LE in Albuquerque with only 400 officers statewide that would be a disaster...besides DOJ doesnt do that anyway. They are doing just what the post above cited...having talked with some I know...they are administering grant funding and its a little difficult enforcing seatbelt violations on a freeway. Get real...this blog is like the National Enquirer these days. Next we will find out the 5th floor are Aliens and there is a spaceship in the basement of the main.
I was one of those "lucky" few persons who had DOJ come in and investigate our department(about 25 including civilians). It took almost six months time for them turn over a few items they deemed criminal incidents to the AG's. They gave a right to sue to 8 employees and offered to represent 2 of those in those cases.
Basically it solved nothing for our agency which was torn in half. In the end all those granted the right to sue left for other agencies.
I wish to extend support to all law enforcement...not an easy job and forever thankless.
"...because they are in fear of making headline news." What planet are you on, we're making headline news every freak'n day because of this chief. Now we have NMSP doing 54's all around downtown?!?!?!
wake up...jesus, we don't even have to do anything and Schultz throws 34's to the wolves. 0915 that is some retarded statements...must be from the 5th floor...
It tickles me pink how Slopez is giving instruction on use of force. The only use of force Slopez ever used was running away. Remember those days Scott when you'd do everything you could to avoid confrontation? Remember how you'd flee? Now you hide behind your desk and your BFF Roseman who also does nothing but run and hide. But guess what boys not for much longer and this time you won't be able to lie your way out of it. Like you did with evidence, flat screen tv's or chick fil a joints....
Wow, what's that four 27-1's in a day? That predictive software stuff is really working awesome!!! Not!!!
Hey Gilmore, if your and Saylor's position is correct, then why does Apd have 2-4x as many shootings as RRPD or BCSO? And don't start with the Apd are real cops BS like that idiot poster started. If things are so universal why such a disparity amongst agencies?
I concur. Write stories about the justified shootings, and catching.the rapist and robbery suspects last week.
So Cliff's comments were wrong, akin to blaming a DV victim? The Eye must have forgot the assignment in the Academy where you look up justifiable homicide, so I'll sum it up real simple-like; for a homicide to be justifiable, the offender (aka the guy on the receiving end of the lead) must be using deadly force, threatening deadly force, or be so dangerous he or she must be stopped. So by any of those definitions, even a rookie Impact Detective could sail a case through for Agg Batt, Agg Assault or similar. So that makes one an offender, not a victim. If they are a victim, then a crime was committed against them and the officer should be charged. Sometimes the Eye is so amped up to rally against the 5th floor and piss all over itself without stopping to think!
And to all the 34s who feel self superior, just remember you are just another fish in a pond. Attend a training class outside APD and see how professional 34s from depts around this state act. Most will give APD credit for being busy and handling sh*t, but they are hard working and do their job without fancy support that APD needs, including no radio sometimes. If you can't get that through your head take your schmuck a** to South America where corruption rules and you can play Billy Badass all you want.
The shootings shall continue until moral improves!
Monday Lovely Monday!!!!
The dirty ones must hate Mondays!
The chief is is about to see that his choice to live by the media will be his unraveling by the media. Fire with fire pal. Get ready for the shit storm! He might think he has a few of these small time bubblegum journalists in his pockets but the whole world is another story. World news. Associated Press, The LA Times. This is just the beginning. Someone's going to jail.
@ 11:12:00 PM MDT, I'm actually not from the 5th floor nor am I a cop. I'm actually a law abiding citizen of Albuquerque that supports our officers. If you feel the need to bash my comment as being "retarded" well, you're actually bashing a person who was victimized by the ultimate crime, MURDER by some jerk who could give a shit about the law & the life he stole from us!! I support these officer's who risk their lives everyday to prevent another family's tragedy!! I could care less about your issues w/ the 5th floor & why my comment had anything to do with the 5th floor!! I stand by APD and their decision of force if they feel their life was threatened in any way! These people have no respect for you, the law, or the COPS & it doesn't help that the media is on their ass when their job is so difficult in the 1st place!!
To the officers, thank you for the job you do. Thank you for protecting my family from these criminals, & I pray that God is with you and protects you.
"Have the DOJ do an investigation and watch all the cops not do their jobs because they are in fear of making headline news!!!" that is by definition a retarded statement because the cops are already in fear of making headline news. don't you get it?
The cops cant do their jobs. The chief will use them
to look like he is cleaning up the city. Every cop knows what he did to those officers wuth the help of his union flunkies, IA gestapo and media manipulation and lies. Not one cop wants to lose their life and be scape goated as a political pawn.
Thank you 9:02:00 for your support of police officers and understanding. I apologize for 9:05:00 who most likely is one of our own who is obviously blinded by the political BS and is unable to acknowledge your gratitude.
Hey 9:05 I think you just shot yourself in the foot! I'm not afraid of doing my job!! So don't include all cops in your statement! Whats retarded is that you are afraid of doing your job because of the shit bags on the 5th floor?!?! Then you shouldn't be a cop if the pressure is too much for you!!
Watch for the promotions: Warfield to DCOP (Banks moving over to FSB, Fiest staying were he is at), K. Rowe and D. Camacho to CMDR.
This will probably have quite a few LTs and some CMDRs retiring real soon.
1238 did I say anything about doing your job? Where exactly did I say that?
Looks like these promotions are nothing but the usual "yes" people. What a group of leaders!
Affirmative action at it's finest...must be an election year coming up!!!
Warfield to DCOP will he be able to take his golf clubs along with him and practice his putting stroke in his new office???
Affirmative action is right and it's BS..HNIC..and a liar at that.
WELL.................. All we can say is we are glad that Lt's Lopez, Garcia and Roseman weren't promoted.... But what IS scary is that when the NEW MAYOR comes in there will be some pretty shady characters circling just waiting to get promoted since more than likely there will be a mass exodus.
How does a guy who who has been convicted of excessive force and excessive boot licking become a DCOP?
I don't care if the snuffaluffagus made the complaint. Just the fact that it was mads is "Tremendous"! This was the hammer that needed to DROP. Great job by all involved. Now the APD public safety can post that up on their youtube with the title NMSP takes out the APD trash since the "leadership" didn't want to get their hands dirty. They only do it when they can fire cops for doing their job from the confines of their cushy offices with the help of the media. No dirty hands there?
Speaking of youtube, I watched those nice little caring, more kindler gentler recruits running in one of those videos. Just what we need; more coddled babies. The criminals are coddled and now the recruits are coddled. I guess that's what makes them more understanding. Now the geniuses want to take the paramilitary training out of the academy? That's because their so-called better cops can't hack being yelled at or told what to do. Oh my! What will these supercops do when a criminal puts a foot up their ass? Piss their pants when it reaches their bladder? There is no shame to this administration's game. These frauds have no clue how to make a positive impact or change what is really broken. They throw out the baby with the bath water to make their own hides look good in a drastic attempt at a smoke and mirrors operation, yet they feed cancerous tumors growing within the organization. Their actions are those of a misguided bunch of adolescents who think nobody sees what they are doing and who think everyone is stupid.
The youtube audio file of Banks lying under oath is "Tremendous"!
You stupid few clowns! EVERYONE sees right through your bullshit.
It is gaining momentum, and when the head clown steps down, the next one better be a virgin chioce as replacement or that one will face the same fate. Leaving in disgrace.
This mayor will continue with the same pattern of individuals in his administration. He will not alter the profile of his administration, especially the administration of the police department. This place is as crooked as a dog leg. He and his thugs are too deep in it now. It's friends till the end, at least until one falls down. And it looks like there is a bananna peel or two, or three, on the floor.
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