Journal lacks understanding

Below is an open letter to the Albuquerque Journal from (Ret.) Captain  DM Gilmore.  The Journal often will not publish an opposing view or views that are critical of the Journal or its' staff.  Please read on...

 

The Journal's editorial of July 12, 2013 asking, "Why didn't APD slow down response to vet?" leaves me perplexed and questioning the Journal's understanding of police work in general.

 

The Journal has written a number of stories in the recent past dealing with the slow and slowing response to calls for service by APD and the impact it has on public safety.  I can imagine the beating APD would have taken had someone been stabbed or killed because APD decided to hold the first arriving officer until a supervisor or crisis intervention officer had arrived.  The first officer on the scene as the Journal reported "did not see any weapons or immediate threat" took the proper action by engaging the vet in this fluid situation without waiting for the supervisor or crisis intervention officer. How many stabbing victims would the Journal have found appropriate before the officer intervened without the supervisor being present?  Almost every single time the media slams APD either in print or by facial expressions/verbal tone on TV.  Has the media given up on the concept of personal responsibility?  Does every cop now have to concern himself or herself with the type of childhood a person had or the relationship they had with their mothers?

 

The Journal fails to understand that the Albuquerque Police Department Standard Operating Procedures serve as a guide for the officers and that there must be some latitude based on each situation for the officers discretion.  There is an old saying about walking a mile in the other guy's shoes.  I would say the media needs to do this instead of conjuring up bogus issues to attack law enforcement, a basically thankless yet rewarding profession.

 

To the involved officer, I know you would have wanted a different outcome.  For myself I am happy that you went home safely and unhurt to your family and friends.  As a former Viet Nam vet myself, if I could, I would tell Mr. Wood that I am sorry and ashamed by the fact that you were not properly cared for by the government that sent you to war.

APOA Critical Incident Financial Assistance

The Eye receives many letters. This one caught our eyes. Below is an open letter to Albuquerque City Councilor Debbie O'Malley from (Ret.) APD Captain David Gilmore.

Councilor O'Malley,

I am responding to your comments in the Albuquerque Journal of March 25, 2012, regarding the payment of money to officers involved in "critical incidences." I served APD for twenty-five years retiring as a captain.

During my tenure I was involved in a high speed chase/gun battle. My only regret is that my aim was not more true as the offender years later shot and killed an APD officer, the son of a very good friend. I relate this fact to demonstrate that I have some feeling as to how the officers feel after such engagements. I cannot speak as to how officers deal with the fact of having killed someone.

I do not believe there is a single officer on the Department that goes to work wanting to shoot someone or to take the life of another. The thought of financial gain, as minute as it is in these cases, never crosses the mind of an officer who is put into a situation of having to use deadly force. Their main concern is to return to their family at the end of their shift.

I understand your concerns regarding the APOA's payments but, the mere fact that the officers are given three days off with paid leave plus counseling probably does little to console them. It is absurd and perhaps verges on the politically correct to call the APOA's small donation for the mental heath of an officer a "BOUNTY" as reported in the article. In view of the fact that neither you nor the Mayor will in all likelihood never know the experience of "dropping the hammer" on a person and the repercussions I would strongly urge you, Mayor Berry and the APOA to find a solution that is agreeable to all concerned. The City of Albuquerque must stand by its officers on all justifiable shooting no matter the count.


Regards,

David M. Gilmore