Letter to the Eye

The following is an email we received from an APD officer who asked us to publish it is a main post. It's because of officers like this that gives us hope:

Dear "Eye",

Since the late 2000's, like everybody else in the department, I have been a regular reader and occasional poster to the Eye on Albuquerque. And over the years I have watched in utter disappointment as my department has declined in morale, personnel, professionalism, and in reputation.

When I joined in 2002, I could not believe the knowledge and expertise that I saw from senior officers. These were people, that even though I was in my late 20's, were why I wanted to become a cop. Now they are all gone. While we were lucky if Chief Gallegos got to work before noon, at least he was one of us. And he was approachable. Then when Schultz came in, an iron wall came down. He was not one of us, and it always seemed like he carried himself above us. Now we have Banks, a person who I didn't respect when he was the IA lieutenant, nor as a commander, DC, and now of course he is a chief. Cream is what is supposed to rise to the top, but the exact opposite has become true in APD. 

But we haven't made it hard for this to happen. Our own APOA has failed to lead by example. We had Lawrence Torres sell us out, then we had Olivas sell out officers, then we had Sigala steal our cash, Weber was just ridiculous, and finally Stephanie seems to be holding her integrity and I'll reserve judgment. But Willoughby is a disgrace. Barely he worked the field before going inside and his appearance is an insult to all of us who take fitness and appearance seriously. If you're going to be representing us cops, please look like one. Shave the SID style goatee, lose about 75lbs, and get in shape. It's hard for citizens to take you seriously when you don't take yourself seriously. But all that doesn't even matter because Shaun did the unthinkable and supports Banks as chief. Really Shaun? Was that the deal? Did you forget they tossed our contract, our union, and our credibility as officers aside and into the wind? What did they promise you? The same as what Weber got?

Shaun, just leave. You suck up to the admin and try so hard to be a player but let's face it. You sucked as a cop and you suck at this.

I too have heard the mumbling lies come out of Banks. I too am aware of all the stories that precede Allen and his "do you have black in you" disgusting comments. Banks has rammed more unjustified discipline on officers than any supervisor I can remember. And only because he can't think for himself or because he was being vindictive. Perhaps he forgets the very suspicious accident he himself was involved in so many years ago....

Mainly I write to vent. I've spent over a decade in the FSB, and here I'll remain. But I am now starting to look at options to go elsewhere. I'm tired of having things scrutinized endlessly and by people that never really worked in the field. I'm tired of seeing fellow cops get hemmed up for doing their jobs while there are other supervisors and command staff that are the true cause of DOJ being here and the endless changes in SOPs and endless new special orders.

For a while I have to say I was sick of your constant criticism and thought you contributed to the division in our department. I was midly entertained with the comments though and that kept me coming back. But now, I don't feel that way. I know your writers, at least some of them, are cops. And now I think differently of you. You are a symptom of what was coming and what we are. Keep up the work Eye, I can only hope there will be a day when you are not needed. It wont be soon though.

NOT a Cop!