Survey Says!!!

Several weeks ago the Albuquerque Police Officer's Association initiated a survey requesting from it's membership their take on a variety of issues. Foremost among those questions were how do you rank morale, what are the source(s) of APD's problems, how has Mayor Berry done, should the DOJ come in, how has Chief Schultz done, and should Chief Schultz be fired? Despite the, and frequently emotional, discussion here at the Eye, the APOA received a stunning turnout in respondents in the survey. Yesterday, in unusual step of bravery, APOA President, Greg Weber, and Vice-President, Shawn Willoughby, announced the results and the masses have spoken:

-99% of the officers say morale is as low as it could get

-80% disapprove of how Chief Schultz has handled the department
-95% disapprove of mayor Berry
-50% assert that Chief Schultz should be fired

Over the year we have heard about endless details about how during the Department's quarterly management meetings, values such as integrity and leadership skills have been promoted and taught via a series of speakers. Yet when the media sought a comment from Chief Schultz regarding these results, not only did he refuse to comment, but he expressed disappointment in not being briefed by the APOA regarding the results of the survey. Much like Chief Schultz publicly berated KRQE reporter Kim Holland for not alerting APD to officer misconduct before reporting on it, we at the Eye are staggered by the endless pomposity shown by APD's Chief of Police. We say this with all seriousness, Ray Schultz is the Chief of Police for the Albuquerque Police Department. Yet, as we have seen time and time again, he is a chief in title only; because he does not act like one or respect the position.

As dozens, if not hundreds, of officers continue to retire the future is now with APD. Our appreciation to the hundreds of rank and file who have to deal with department leadership that frequently is less trustworthy than criminals on the street remains strong. Hang in there APD officers and detectives the power remains with you to ultimately change this failed leadership.