One thing I forgot to include in the above overview: In May of 2006 an APD probationary police officer, driving inappropriately, crashes into the backyard of a home off 53rd street killing an elderly grandmother. This probationary officer is suspended by Ray Schultz, but not terminated. The Bernalillo County DA refuses to indict, why? This APD officer is later promoted. Again there appears to be a failure in the system. Killing a citizen while driving in appropriately (and on probation) should lead to termination and to criminal charges (remember Adam Casaus). Yet in this case the probationary officer was retained and the District Attorney did nothing. The family sued and the city paid hundreds of thousands of dollars. Again elected officials failed in their jobs and the police chief failed in his duty. The community should demand that the Bernalillo District Attorney explain why Adam Casaus fatal accident is different from Zachariah Floyd. Why was Casaus charged and Floyd not. Why did Schultz not terminate him? Why indeed. The appearance of a very cozy relationship between APD Command Staff (Ray Schulz) and Bernalillo County DA Brandenburg begins and is confirmed and gets worse because once a top official lets a bad act go unchecked, how can they undo it?
2010 to Present
The decline at APD picks up steam with Richard Berry as mayor. It's obvious that whatever controls were in place under Martin Chavez, are now truly gone and the floodgates of misconduct open. Berry's hands off style puts Schultz in total charge with no one supervising him. He has dodged the Costales bullet and now he seems to be bullet proof and culminates in way until that defies belief with the flooding of a crime scene by White, Banks, Perry, Wilham, Paiz, Feist, and scores of other top APD officials involving the suspicious death of one of the city’s biggest adversaries: Mary Han.
When have we ever seen such a gathering of top leaders at crime scene? Not even at the Christopher Chase shooting last Fall. Not at the West Mesa mass grave. Not at the killings of APD officers Rick Smith and Mike King. In fact, never. Think about what that means.
APD shootings skyrocket prompting numerous lawsuits and widespread and open citizen protest. City council meetings are flooded with citizens demanding change and accountability at APD. The City Council responds to these issues and votes to ask the Department of Justice to investigate APD, which they agree to do (2012). Remember, Schultz himself when asked about this actually blamed city council for doing this.
Berry and Schultz bring back the college requirement that didn’t work under Galvin / Baca. APD recruiting plummets.
Darren White quits as public safety director in July 2011 after allegations arise that he spirited his wife away from a potential DUI accident. Prior to his resigning, APD Chief Schultz and CAO Rob Perry defend White at one of the weirdest press conferences in city history. Schultz, White and Perry attempt to intimidate the media into leaving the White issue alone. The media doesn’t and White quits for a higher paying job at the Downs of Albuquerque. Berry begins his MO of disappearing during bad news.
Once again we have a failure in checks and balances when it comes to the people in charge. This seems to be the moral of the APD story; no one demands accountability from the top people.
Albuquerque Police have many scandals during this time. They include:
- $10,000,000 judgment for the Ellis shooting (Schultz announces his retirement afterward). The city has now settled this for $8,000,000 and promoted the officer involved.
- Mitschlen shooting costs the city $300,000. Media reports that the officer involved was not qualified to carry the firearm used in the shooting. Officer has a Facebook page where he refers to himself as a “human waste disposal”
- APD SWAT Lt is accused of bullying and threatening his SWAT officers. No charges filed.
- the arrest of APD officer Matt Kindle while he wags his wiener while on duty
- the arrest of APD officer Begaye for possession of child porn
- Schulz gets his revenge on APD officer Ahrensfeld for obstruction of justice when it seems the entire case is built on the testimony of a convicted felon
- the loss of over 300 APD officers leaving to a staffing crisis
- November 2010, Civil Rights attorney Mary Han is found dead in her home. The action of APD and officials from Albuquerque City Hall at the crime scene has led to national attention and a lawsuit by the Han family.
- The October 2013 shooting of 4 law enforcement officers in Albuquerque points out one huge problem at APD. Why were there no command staff officers working? Why do lieutenants only work Monday through Friday (mostly dayshift hours) and none are permanently assigned weekends? Albuquerque is a large metro police department, yet it is still run like Mayberry. The higher up in rank you go the less accountability and responsibility you have; while making a lot more money.
- Berry sets aside the APOA contract and reduces officers pay.
- Berry gives a select few of his already high paid friends (Rob Perry) double digit raises, while officers APD officers what amounts to a 1% pay raise.
- February 2013 the Journal exposes that Ray Schultz is spending more time out of town going to conferences paid for by Albuquerque taxpayers than he is actually working in Albuquerque as chief. Many of these conferences he is accompanied by questionable civilian police employees.
- March 2013, Ray Schultz announces his retirement but doesn’t say when. Berry does NOT start a new search for a police chief.
- August 2013, Ray Schultz finally retires but is allowed to work under contract for $10,000 for one month.
- August 2013, when asked about infidelity at APD Ray Schultz makes his famous, “Nature at Play” quote, which brings APD into national embarrassment. Berry still does nothing.
- October 2013 Berry is re-elected in one of the lowest turnout elections in the history of Albuquerque.
- October 2013 Judge Whitaker dismisses charges against a murder suspect because of the APD homicide detective destruction of the murder weapon. This did not come out until trial and the detective accused the district attorneys of telling him to lie on the stand. Banks does nothing and the District Attorney does nothing. A murder walks free.
- Perry / Wheeler from City Attorney office get into a dispute at a city council meeting where they try to interfere with a citizen’s free speech. Berry does nothing.
- January 2014, the media exposes that during Schultz’s last months at APD he worked diligently to violate the spirit of the Return to Work Repeal, by providing contracts to three APD civilian female employees.
- Allen Banks is named interim chief after Schultz goes on his $10,000 per month city contract. APD has five more shootings during his tenure.
- December 2013 Omaree Varela is murdered by his mother. In the next weeks APD and Chief Banks refuse all comment after it is discovered that in October 2012 an APD officer was called to Omaree’s school regarding allegations of abuse. From the officer’s report it appears she knew Omaree was in danger but did not remove him. She said she sent the report to the Bernalillo DA but the DA never received it (does this sound familiar?). Further investigation shows another incident in June 2012 where APD officers do not listen to the 911 call, do not write a report and do nothing. For weeks Banks / Berry went into hiding over this and refused to speak publicly. Berry finally makes one statement where he says Omaree’s death is the problem of the entire state. He promises to put a task force together to work on CYFD issues. He attempts to distance himself and APD from accountability.
- December 2013 an Internal Affairs complaint is filed against the entire APD Academy staff. It is quashed a day later by Banks. APD refuses to disclose the nature of the complaint. Allegations arise that the Academy director has been having an affair with a subordinate. The Polygraph Unit is moved to a different chain of command and nothing else happens.
- February 2014 it is reported that some APD Academy instructors do not have the correct certification to train officers and cadets. This may impact the certifications of all APD officers.
- Gordon Eden is named Albuquerque Chief of Police after a dubious nationwide search for a chief (remember Schultz announced he was leaving a year earlier). This comes weeks after Allen Banks announces he is leaving for Round Rock, Texas.
- APD Academy is still only graduating a handful of cadets at a time because of the ridiculous college requirement put in by Berry. February 2014 APD has lost over 300 officers and now has less than 900 full time sworn police officers. This includes officers on injury time, vacation, sick time, military time, discipline etc. Berry still refuses to change this horrible policy. Questions arise as to an increase in 911 call response times and a lack of officers as first responders. The answer from Berry? Silence.
- And in August 2013, the state's Attorney General issues a scathing review and criticisim of APD's handling of the Han death scene. Again, APD makes national news.
I know this is not a complete history of the mess APD has become. If the reader wishes to add incidents please do so. What I do hope the reader will take away from this article is the following.
When the people in charge are not held accountable, when the checks and balances disappear, that is when a police department breaks down and fails their community.
Albuquerque has witnessed a historic breakdown of its public safety. The police chief, the mayor, the district attorney and the state attorney general, they all have vacated their authority for their own benefit. This is a textbook example of how a police department loses the faith of the community they serve and the ability to operate.
John Toland (Pulitzer winner) wrote this in his history of the Korean War. I believe it holds true for the Albuquerque Police Department:
……It is human nature that repeats itself, not history. We often lean more about the past from the present than the reverse. I also discovered that a vile person can occasionally tell the truth and a noble person tell a lie; and that men don’t make history as often as history makes men……….
A day before taking over APD, Gordon Eden remarked when asked about the spike of shootings APD that it probably had something to do with increased assaults on officers. The thing is Gordon, if you look at the department's own PERF report, not only have assaults against APD officers been on a downward trend, but so has the trend of other form of force by APD officers.
In his first few moments, Gordon confirms he is more of the same.
A day before taking over APD, Gordon Eden remarked when asked about the spike of shootings APD that it probably had something to do with increased assaults on officers. The thing is Gordon, if you look at the department's own PERF report, not only have assaults against APD officers been on a downward trend, but so has the trend of other form of force by APD officers.
In his first few moments, Gordon confirms he is more of the same.
I hope the readers decide to make a difference and make the Albuquerque Police Department back into the best police department in the nation. The choice is yours. And it begins by holding people at the top accountable.
Cincinnatus
2014
34 comments:
What if the "people at the top" and the feds allow this ? What if begging for intervention is ignored? Living nightmare, but don't stop screaming !
The citizens are getting what they deserve. Albuquerque is and has been asleep. No one showed up to vote in the last election. No one seems to care. Well maybe now they will.
Look at the Urkraine, these people want the freedom that Albuquerque residents take for granted. Shame on all of us. Time to turn this around and start protesting to demand action.
The taxpayer dollar payouts in 2014 alone are going to dwarf all the APD caused payouts in history combined. I only hope the pukes responsible, the ones still there and all the ones that have jumped ship like rats fleeing the raising waters, are held personally liable and financially ruined. After all, anything they have is ill-gotten gains.
Well well well. Sisi Saens Miranda whatever will lead Berry's child abuse task force. What a loop of bullshit. Funny, Gordon Eden was not Susana's 1st choice for DPS secretary, Beth Paiz was. And I'm sure Beth turned this gig down as well. Good for you Beth.
Now Ray Schultz lands a job with Taser. The same company he had APD pay thousands too. Kick back? You tell me.
All of the same people continue to get selected for political positions they are all like turds that just wont go down.
2/28/14 @7:30p
"The people of Albuquerque have the leadership they deserve. They have shit because they are shit."
Loved this thought, could not agree more, and I am from ABQ! From 'mijo syndrome' to super-saturation of thugs, unfit reproducers, dismal graduation, poverty, and child-welfare rankings, to voter apathy, you nailed it. Political leaders are a reflection of the populace they serve. Shitty leaders come from a pool of shitty citizens. Thankfully Sandia Labs keeps the city afloat- without it we would be worse off than Jackson, Mississippi.
I'm also happy that COPS is returning. Im hopeful that it will show how infested this city is and provide a counterbalance to the anti-police bias in the media. If COPS is effective in doing so, maybe mom and dad will be forced to admit jito wasn't such a good boy. Go out of town and tell strangers you are from Albuquerque... They'll tell you what you know in your heart but don't want to hear.
To those who would say,'If you don't like it, leave,' the answer is NO. There are good people here who contribute to the community in positive ways. However, I'd be happy to see apathy and underachievement leave! Also, a thank you to those who assisted in giving Berry a second term, either through a vote or abstaining, things are going very well!
The shit is coming out now Raymond D Schultz. It won't be long now. Federal court, another deposition where you are locked into your lies, and no influenced on the media.
We'll Ray, you must be guilty if you aren't' fighting it anymore. Right? Isn't that what you say? Someone is going to be in a bad way legally. You can thank your buddy who says he is sorry and he was only taking your orders. Orders from you and Feist. Sounds like conspiracy too. You ran, Banks ran and every other DCOP prior to the DOJ coming ran like a bunch of scared vermin. Keep running cowards.
Look; It used to be, our DAs watched out that our cops weren't lying to get people in trouble,they would stop a bad cops career, keep them from ruining lives. Now the DA condones lies and bullshit cases. The DAs office does so, because the judges are really lenient about bullshit cases still being awarded to the DA despite all evidence to the contrary. Good for the DA, good for the cops who lied to begin the cycle. The judges, they're helping the DAs office and the cops because a judge who's hard on whatever, is a reelected judge, so all three agencies have found a way to help each others careers. Bummer for us, the public, because now rogue cops are a benefit to the DAs office. Bummer for us, because we have judges who routinely deny people jury trials(totally illegal, but who's watching, right?)and find people guilty for DWI for leaning on the hood of their car at a party...and charge them outrageous sums for extended periods for their crimes. Does anyone know who owns the interlock companies in this foul, broken burg? I have a neighbor who got a DWI in California and paid for it 6 years ago. Still, he comes here and NM feels free to require an interlock of him....When these people who are supposed to provide checks and balances for one another start working as one whole, corrupt entity, all is lost...unless we oust them all, which requires some teamwork from an apathetic(or worse, trusting) public. And it hurts us as well, because when a cop does something awful(Adam Casaus) no one dares fire/indict them, lest they get pissed and speak up about what is going on in our for-profit-criminal-enterprise-also-known-as-a-city-government and embarrass everyone and then embarrass them a little more when they pardon themselves and then get all pissy when people get mad at their arrogance and lack of personal accountability....These are the simple facts. We have dogshit leading, dogshit enforcing, and dogshit making money off of us as a population. We don't get up and say anything though, either we're too lazy, or we're dumb enough to trust dogshit when it smiles. When Albuquerque finally takes the half-hour or so it takes to read up on the APD, enough time for anyone with a high sub-average I.Q to see that things are really wonky in Dipshiton, we'll affect some good, positive change. Until then, we're the villagers scurrying around, finding hiding places and hoping the giant ape doesn't find us next. Hopeless, and really, sort of fucking pathetic. Wake the fuck up, Albuquerque. your cops are shitbags, but who can blame them? they've been told it's okay by no less than the cities leading criminals...our political leaders....who have been taught through scandal after scandal that brought nothing down on them, that if you can't be worth a shit in the ocean, at least some really dumb, really trashy, really ignorant gerbildicks and leathertwats will admire you if you tell them to, provided you fuck with people who've done nothing to deserve it, and really cement your assholery.....14103956953
same intersection, same time of morning, same bat car running red light http://youtu.be/fjarnWHzLwo Will some be done?
UNITE, UNITE, UNITE! If there is a group or groups already forming, list them here. There are ways to create communities, unite and organize online anonymously. If we focus on one common goal, we will be successful. The energy is already there as we are all riled up by the victimization that has gone on. I’m willing to do my part both with time and money.
Even though the Eye is focused on the police corruption, there are many other malfeasances going on in ABQ and NM, only some of which have been reported in the comments on this blog. It points to the leadership and it’s TIME FOR MAJOR CHANGE! Shame on the media, both newspapers and tv stations, for throwing softballs. They hype that they are aggressively investigating corruption in our state but the Eye is truly aggressive in their reporting.
Eye,
I would like to know how I can donate money to your blog as a sign of appreciation for doing what the local newspapers and TV reporters are too weak to do. I am only one citizen but do very much appreciate your detailed and accurate reporting of the dysfunction we have to live with everyday. You are making a difference! With persistence and a united support from the community, good will conquer the evil in this state. Thank you!
Thanks to the good cops who are fighting the good fight not just with unruly citizens but with the leaders!
Ironic that I am Ukrainian and have protested for justice and against police corruption (Latest was at Legislature on Feb 17th) My family came to America FOR rights and due process and to flee from oppression and corruptipn. Very ironic. All citizens must demand honor and safety from "the Law"- walk your talk !
It was sickening to see Gordon Eden wearing an APD uniform for his swearing in as Chief and even more repugnant to see Sherman McCorkle defend the appointment in Monahans blog. Eden has never been a municipal cop and Eden was a State Police officer so long ago I doubt he even remembers the Miranda Warnings let alone carried a gun or made an arrest himself of any kind in years. Eden has never truly managed first responders and some of the first words out of his mouth were that talking to the rank and file he did not believe there is a morale problem within APD and he intends to address all of DOJs problems even before a report is issued identifying what the problems are. Eden also claims he was recruited by Berry to apply and all of a sudden becomes a finalist over many others far more qualified. Sherman McCorkle has long been a Republican operative and close friend and confident of Berry and especially Darren White. McCorkle is a puke that is more interested in his own pocket book and not the best interests of the City. As far as former United States Attorney Greg Fouratt being appointed State Director of Public Safety, he is a political hack. Fouratt's appointment is clearly a red flag and you cannot help but wonder what he knows about the DOJ investigation of APD and what he has told Susana, Berry and Perry to get his new job. The Eye really needs to dig more and expose Fouratt for what he is.
Looks like they hired Marie Maranda to show Eden how to do his job! Any real chief would know how to fix his dept!
These people swear in a guy who isn't even certified.
What a bunch of frauds liard and phonies!
Another national laughing stock. Hopefully all of the over qualified candidates who were defrauded into believing they had a fair chance at the chief's position will spread the word about how filthy this place is. I would be enraged if I were them. The news should contact them and do a story on this. They knew they were going to choose Eden. How in the hell do you explain,the fairness in asking a guy to put in for a job, then choosing him?
This Guy has bonified connections to Schultz, White, Martinez, Berry, McCorkle, and Perry, who are all coincidentally part of the problem here. These liars will never relinquish total control to someone who would clean this place up because it would mean that person would have to be objective, they couldn't control the outcome, and all the schemes lies and filth will come out. That, folks is their greatest fear. and that fat motherfucker McCorkle really should shut the fuck up with his lies and bullshit. He sounds like a greezy side show snake oil salesman. It's a shame these sissy ass punks will never know what it's like to be a real man who works and earns what they have instead of carrying some puke's water to,have things GIVEN to them.
I agree with 09:51.
I'm retired and every 34 I run into now has the same thing to say. " Your lucky your gone now" and "I can not wait to get out".
Great process at our expense for the city to hire Edens. They should have saved the money for the national search and said here is another inside guy.
Edens in APD blue, hard to reconcile.
Schultz has been meeting with Eden and bring Eden up to speed.
Eden can't even solve the child abuse issue, because he has never even taken a abuse call, so they hire Sisi who doesn't know shit about it. She's their token minority girl! That's all they hired her for. They need some color.
What a worthless chief he's going to be! Is he certified to wear the uniform?
@10:33 you racist son of a bitch! Not only don't you like people of color, you must be one of those "have nots" have not a job, have not brains, have not figured it out! Loser was, loser will always be. Shut up and if you are going to post something at least post something interesting like "when Sisi was in Band Camp" she use to play the organ or some other shit like that. We don't want to hear any more on the race card bullshit, because you are pissing off a lot of people with that line
9;24 go get a whambulance because your obviously dry and crusty. maybe some KY would help? Or whats that shit for hot flashes? Tamperin I think it's called? Seriously don't be sensitive. Be proud and brown!
Important to connect those dots -interrelationships make a pattern; patterns ate what the DOJ claims to be looking for. Ironically, the DOJ have been here for years=the USMarshals (oh yeah headed by long time APD Candelaria), theUS Attorney (oh yeah the last one Ken Gonzales was a narcotics cop in Espanola, so wonder where his loyalties lie), and the FBI (who responded "Yeah wr know APD is corrupt", and refused to even look at evidence). Yeah, things will sure be different now. (Sick)
I must have missed something while I was out of town. When did "brown" become a "race"? Did "pink" make the call too? Does this make "Heinz 57" a "breed"?
@9:30 Blow me!
Explain how it's racist to call somebody a "latina" when not only that's how they describe themselves in public but use it to their advantage both as a political aspect and a legal aspect?
So now you insult Governor Martinez and all the other Hispanic women to try and deflect your own racist bigotry? You are pathetic, all these Latina women in power make you tremble in your boots. Do you feel better little man?
This just in! "Brown" is "Tan", but a little darker. I guess that makes "Brown" part of the "race" of "Tan". But then how do you explain that when an artist wants to add a little "Brown" to her painting she mixes "Black" and "Yellow"? This is just too confusing!
@4:15, Latina is not derogatory, of course it is used in a political context, and it is a protected class by law. You must not be from NM or you would know that. What you have here is a bunch of disgruntled, angry men who have nothing better to do than to demean women and minorities on this site.
Yes always when there are chicanas around to do my laundry.
@3-5, 11:48am - "Latina Women In Power" will make you tremble in your boots! Sounds like an ad for a BDSM porn flick. Watch in fear as the "Latina Goddesses of Pain" have their evil ways with the unfortunate "Boot Tremblers".
@3-4, 9:24am - There is no "race card" being played when there is no "race" involved. And "a lot of people are getting pissed off with that line"? Whoopie-doo! So what?
They like to rehire the piece of shit that acts like Ms.Know it all,that violated 4th amendment rights. get kicked off of the TO program cuz shes a bitch. has multiple IA complaints. Treats victims like the offenders. Unless its her family that has a brother who murdered her neice... That you APD for allowing such GREAT officer back on the force.New Mexico State Police have arrested a man they believe murdered his niece in a Bosque Farms home Friday.
It didn't take police long to find suspect Marvin Martinez, 55, who is suspected of murdering his own niece 20-year-old Ashley Raulerson.
Authorities said they learned the suspect's location when a Peralta woman called 911 stating Martinez had showed up to her home.
When police arrived, Martinez fled in his vehicle, but once he reached the end of the street he surrendered peacefully.
Bosque Farms police had initially responded to reports of a stabbing at a home at approximately 11:45 a.m., however, State Police told KOB Eyewitness News 4 that it appears she was shot to death. A motive has not yet been determined.
Post a Comment