Schultz continues to expedite his departure with more Mis-management

"We need to restore public trust, public confidence and reach out to the community."
—APD Chief Ray Schultz, May 27, 2005.

In the wake of APD’s Evidence Room scandal APD Chief Gil Gallegos resigned and APD’s current chief, Raymond Schultz, walked in to save the day. Chief Schulz made the above remarks in an Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce meeting days after coming in as the chief of the state’s largest law enforcement agency. Yet, here we are, almost 7 ½ years later, and public trust and public confidence is at an even lower level than it was back when Chief Schultz made these remarks. We would think it was ironic if it weren’t for the fact that the original evidence room scandal occurred and unfolded while under the watch of then Deputy Chief Schultz.

As we reported earlier this year, the fiasco that happened in the evidence room, where money, guns, and drugs were stolen occurred under Deputy Chief Ray Schultz’s command. Despite concerns being raised by officers and the initiation of IA investigations, all efforts to objectively and thoroughly resolve the issue were suppressed by APD’s current chief: Raymond Schultz. The city’s own report (here) confirms this.

Yet now, it seems problems in the evidence unit are unfolding once again. As many of our Eyes, in colorful fashion, posted, there appears to be highly…inappropriate behavior going on in what is supposed to bean otherwise secure storage facility. There also appears to be video records of these activities that have been erased. Changing public records and tampering with evidence, we’d like to remind our readers, are serious felony offenses. In a city where its mayor actively promotes “Transparency” it seems the transparent thing to do would be to have NMSP or the AG’s office come in, and once again, conduct an investigation. In a department that its chief says earns an “A” we’d expect nothing but blue ribbon investigation when it comes to problems of its own. If APD wants to earn the respect of its citizens, its officers, and other departments, then it needs to hold itself to a higher standard. That specifically includes the executive staff.

If personnel are illegally gaining access to the warehouse and committing inappropriate acts, what else are they doing with evidence that is being held for pending or other criminal offenses. How many cases have now been put in jeopardy because of APD’s or the crime lab’sdirectory, Marc Adams, inaction?

Our recommendation to those folks that are witnesses to these suspected crimes are get in touch with the appropriate law enforcement authorities outside of APD or you can forward proof to us here at the EYE and we will get it to the appropriate authorities. Cell phone camera shots, videos,documents, or even dates of the events will help us ascertain what exactly is going on. As you’ve seen, posts with detailed personal information DO NOT get posted and we at the EYE fully believe in keeping the confidence of, and supporting, people who are trying to do the right thing…..