Albuquerque's Public Safety Director, Darren White, thought he walked on water, only to find out that he has been sunk and is drowning under water. Our Eyes tell us that today the members of the APOA laid down Thunder and passed a vote of “NO CONFIDENCE” on Albuquerque’s Public Safety Director, Darren White. The Vote passed by an 84% margin, this is similar to the results by New Mexico State Police of 89% vote of “NO CONFIDENCE.”
The Eye On Albuquerque covered this story last month in, “APOA Members Offer to Lay Down the Thunder.” We followed up yesterday with, “Time for Heroes to Shine.” Both stories covered the prior “NO CONFIDENCE” vote that was conducted by New Mexico State Police.
Below is an excerpt from those two stories:
In one of the Eye On Albuquerque stories, “APOA Members Offer to Lay Down the Thunder,” the story stated in reference to the vote of no confidence in White; “This would be huge; but nothing new to White. New Mexico State Police did a “Vote of No Confidence” against White on September 27, 1999. It was reported that 89 percent of the New Mexico State Police had “NO Confidence” in White.” The Eye has also received several messages from people claiming to be with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department expressing displeasure in White. If anybody looks at White’s track record, it is probable that the results will be similar. White left the State of New Mexico post he held shortly after this powerful statement by the New Mexico State Police Officers.
White’s credibility as a leader has been seriously compromised by this second vote of "NO CONFIDENCE." White’s problems seem to follow him where ever he goes. There is no other way for the rank and file of the Union to express their discontent with White; short of revolting in the same fashion as the people of Egypt. What will it take for the Republican Mayor Richard J. Berry to heed to all the warning signs and flags that keep going up? This “Vote of NO CONFIDENCE” reflects poorly on the Mayor and his Administration.
At some point in time White needs to exam his conscience and ask the question; "Am I right and everyone else is wrong or is everyone right and maybe I am wrong?" We all know the answer. Perhaps Mayor Berry should apply the same question when he is examining this latest blow to his Administration.
Showing posts with label No Confidence Vote. Show all posts
Showing posts with label No Confidence Vote. Show all posts
Feb 15, 2011
Time for True Heroes to Shine
Thursday will separate the honest cops from politically pressured stool pigeons. The members of the Albuquerque Police Officer’s Association will be voting on rather or not they have confidence in who has been referred to as the City’s “Top Cop.” No not the Chief of Police, Ray Schultz, but Public Safety Director, Darren White. We all know that the men and women of the Albuquerque Police Department strive to have solid morals and values. The Department’s mission statement states;
Albuquerque Police Department Mission Statement
We, the members of the Albuquerque Police Department, believe in the shared responsibility of police personnel, government leaders and citizens to improve Albuquerque's quality of life and to defend our community. We vow to uphold the U.S. Constitution, to fairly enforce the laws of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque in order to protect life, property and rights. In partnership with the community, we will engage in policing to maintain order, reduce crime and the fear of crime through education, prevention and enforcement.
Source:
www.cabq.gov/police/images/psp_brochure.doc
The issue here is; “government leaders.” The Eye On Albuquerque has carried several stories concerning White and his leadership and management style (or lack there of). Schultz has a past history of leading and managing the Department in the right direction. Schultz has some faults but some of his faults draw a line directly to White’s misguided leadership and management style.
In one of the Eye On Albuquerque stories, “APOA Members Offer to Lay Down the Thunder,” the story stated in reference to the vote of no confidence in White; “This would be huge; but nothing new to White. New Mexico State Police did a “Vote of No Confidence” against White on September 27, 1999. It was reported that 89 percent of the New Mexico State Police had “NO Confidence” in White.” The Eye has also received several messages from people claiming to be with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department expressing displeasure in White. If anybody looks at White’s track record, it is probable that the results will be similar. White left the State of New Mexico post he held shortly after this powerful statement by the New Mexico State Police Officers.
It appears his leadership and management style is not suited for law enforcement. Oddly enough, Mayor Berry continues to go along with the charade. If this vote by the APOA Members is different than that of State Police, it may only signal that White has the political magic wand to control some of Albuquerque’s Finest.
Whichever way this vote goes, we must respect the men and women who had the strength and integrity to bring this issue to the forefront of the public and our Mayor.
See APOA Members Offer to Lay Down the Thunder @ http://eyeonalbuquerque.blogspot.com/2011/01/apoa-members-offer-to-lay-down-thunder.html
Albuquerque Police Department Mission Statement
We, the members of the Albuquerque Police Department, believe in the shared responsibility of police personnel, government leaders and citizens to improve Albuquerque's quality of life and to defend our community. We vow to uphold the U.S. Constitution, to fairly enforce the laws of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque in order to protect life, property and rights. In partnership with the community, we will engage in policing to maintain order, reduce crime and the fear of crime through education, prevention and enforcement.
Source:
www.cabq.gov/police/images/psp_brochure.doc
The issue here is; “government leaders.” The Eye On Albuquerque has carried several stories concerning White and his leadership and management style (or lack there of). Schultz has a past history of leading and managing the Department in the right direction. Schultz has some faults but some of his faults draw a line directly to White’s misguided leadership and management style.
In one of the Eye On Albuquerque stories, “APOA Members Offer to Lay Down the Thunder,” the story stated in reference to the vote of no confidence in White; “This would be huge; but nothing new to White. New Mexico State Police did a “Vote of No Confidence” against White on September 27, 1999. It was reported that 89 percent of the New Mexico State Police had “NO Confidence” in White.” The Eye has also received several messages from people claiming to be with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department expressing displeasure in White. If anybody looks at White’s track record, it is probable that the results will be similar. White left the State of New Mexico post he held shortly after this powerful statement by the New Mexico State Police Officers.
It appears his leadership and management style is not suited for law enforcement. Oddly enough, Mayor Berry continues to go along with the charade. If this vote by the APOA Members is different than that of State Police, it may only signal that White has the political magic wand to control some of Albuquerque’s Finest.
Whichever way this vote goes, we must respect the men and women who had the strength and integrity to bring this issue to the forefront of the public and our Mayor.
See APOA Members Offer to Lay Down the Thunder @ http://eyeonalbuquerque.blogspot.com/2011/01/apoa-members-offer-to-lay-down-thunder.html
May 6, 2007
APD Woes: De-Vested
Roots of No-Confidence Movement
We were the first to tell you about the APD no-confidence movement and the vote that will take place sometime later this month. In addition to pay inequities, officers have other issues with the 5th floor and the Chavez administration.
A few years ago, sworn officers were given the opportunity to upgrade their vests to an improved model that was rated to stop a rifle round. These vests cost significantly more so a deal was struck with officers to help pay for the improved protection. In addition to added safety for officers, the new vests were lighter, cooler, and more flexible. The latter is particularly important because police work also involves chasing and sometimes tussling with suspects.
The upgraded vests seemed like the perfect solution and many officers opted to pay up to $480 for the new vests. As an added incentive to purchase the vests, APD agreed to allow officers who stayed with the department for a year to keep the vests.
Everything was going fine until APD ordered officers to return the vests due to safety concerns. The new vests were then replaced with an equivalent vest in terms of safety. However, the replacement vests were thicker and no more flexible than the original vests. In other words, officers didn't get what they paid for.
Our Eyes tell us that the new vests were essentially recalled. Since there was no "official" recall, the local vest supplier Kauffman's West would not refund the officer's money and neither would the manufacturer. To make matters worse, officers are no longer allowed to keep the vests after a year's service.
Granted the APD De-Vestment took place on former Chief Gill Gallegos' watch and you could make the argument that Chief Schultz had nothing to do with the fleecing of APD officers. However, you can't excuse the departmental action simply because of a change of leadership. Besides the real leader over at APD doesn't work on the 5th floor at all... he works across the street on the 11th floor.
We were the first to tell you about the APD no-confidence movement and the vote that will take place sometime later this month. In addition to pay inequities, officers have other issues with the 5th floor and the Chavez administration.
A few years ago, sworn officers were given the opportunity to upgrade their vests to an improved model that was rated to stop a rifle round. These vests cost significantly more so a deal was struck with officers to help pay for the improved protection. In addition to added safety for officers, the new vests were lighter, cooler, and more flexible. The latter is particularly important because police work also involves chasing and sometimes tussling with suspects.
The upgraded vests seemed like the perfect solution and many officers opted to pay up to $480 for the new vests. As an added incentive to purchase the vests, APD agreed to allow officers who stayed with the department for a year to keep the vests.
Everything was going fine until APD ordered officers to return the vests due to safety concerns. The new vests were then replaced with an equivalent vest in terms of safety. However, the replacement vests were thicker and no more flexible than the original vests. In other words, officers didn't get what they paid for.
Our Eyes tell us that the new vests were essentially recalled. Since there was no "official" recall, the local vest supplier Kauffman's West would not refund the officer's money and neither would the manufacturer. To make matters worse, officers are no longer allowed to keep the vests after a year's service.
Granted the APD De-Vestment took place on former Chief Gill Gallegos' watch and you could make the argument that Chief Schultz had nothing to do with the fleecing of APD officers. However, you can't excuse the departmental action simply because of a change of leadership. Besides the real leader over at APD doesn't work on the 5th floor at all... he works across the street on the 11th floor.
May 1, 2007
APD Woes: What's Behind No Confidence Movement
As we told you recently, a group of young officers have forced the Albuquerque Police Officers Association to consider a vote of no confidence in Chief of Police Ray Schultz. As required by the APOA bylaws, the vote must take place after a 30 day "cooling off" period. So, that means the vote will be sometime this month.
Our Eyes have been taking a look into some of the complaints behind the move for a no confidence vote and found some expected things, some surprising things, and some truly alarming things. As expected, right at the top of the list is officer pay.
For years, Mayor Marty has been touting 1,000 officers over at APD. Just recently the Journal reported that "APD has 998 officers, including 18 part-timers." (Subscription Required) That was in the same article that reported APD's request for $1 MILLION for officer recruitment and retention. In the last Mayoral election manpower levels at APD became an issue with the administration claiming to have around 1,000 officers and Mayoral opponent and City Councilor Brad Winter claiming significantly less, particularly when looking at officers available to take calls. (ABQ Journal - Subscription Required)
Since APD is having trouble recruiting NEW officers they have put in place a series of incentives for retired officers to return to APD. These officers not only receive their retirement, but they receive a little more than $4,300 a year more than the same officer with the same rank and longevity (APD Benefits & Salary). Don't get us wrong, we don't think that rehiring experienced officers is not necessarily a bad idea; but when you have a system in place that incentivizes return, then you have also created a system that incentives departure.
A patrolman 1st class with 20 plus years of experience makes $50,180 per year. If they wait and retire at 22 years and 10 months of service they will receive 80% of that pay equaling $40,144 per year. When they return they will earn $41,745.60 as a patrolman 1st class, jumping to $43,825.60 after 1 year. In other words, they will be making $83,969.60 per year. By retiring, they get a $33,789.60 raise. They'd be crazy not to retire, particularly since they've topped out in pay.
The rehire program is simply a stop-gap measure that only slows attrition. When you rehire a retired officer, you have a net gain of zero, better than a net loss but we're really incentivizing the wrong thing. Not to mention our Eyes tell us that senior officers have not received a pay raise in 10 years.
We've got an idea... Perhaps it's time that the city council and Mayor Marty get together and decide to pay all of the officer's better and incentivize continued service with additional benefits, instead of building arenas and giving HUGE tax breaks to developments like Mesa Del Sol and developer Forrest City Covington. After all, how can we have confidence in our businesses and our daily lives when we can't keep crime fighters on the street?
The bottom line here is that Mayor Marty and the council are responsible for police protection or lack thereof. It's their first responsibility. The very fact that this no confidence vote has been placed in motion should give us all pause; and it's a reflection not only on Chief Schultz but on the Chavez administration as well.
Our Eyes have been taking a look into some of the complaints behind the move for a no confidence vote and found some expected things, some surprising things, and some truly alarming things. As expected, right at the top of the list is officer pay.
For years, Mayor Marty has been touting 1,000 officers over at APD. Just recently the Journal reported that "APD has 998 officers, including 18 part-timers." (Subscription Required) That was in the same article that reported APD's request for $1 MILLION for officer recruitment and retention. In the last Mayoral election manpower levels at APD became an issue with the administration claiming to have around 1,000 officers and Mayoral opponent and City Councilor Brad Winter claiming significantly less, particularly when looking at officers available to take calls. (ABQ Journal - Subscription Required)(Sidebar)Our Eyes tell us that right now, today the number of sworn officers that APD could put into the field in an emergency is just north of 800. That's everyone folks, including the chief himself. The Eyes have it that the 998 number mentioned by the Journal is everyone at APD including clerical staff. If you look at these numbers in light of the $1 MILLION supplemental request it's not hard to believe that the administration is playing fast and loose with manpower numbers.
Is this really the message that APD wants to send to potential recruits? "Join APD and catch a bride!" What genius thought this up?
(End Sidebar)
(Sidebar)You're probably wondering what in the world does this have to do with the price of tea in China. One of the main complaints voiced by officers behind the no-confidence movement is pay inequity. The pay inequity that the officers are talking about is being created by the pressure to not only field 1,000 officers but to expand the force to Mayor Marty's 1,100 officers. It's the same pressure that caused APD to ask for $1 MILLION to throw at recruitment and retention.
It's interesting to us to look back and see that APD seems to always magically have close to 1,000 officers, even when they have been faced with a record number of retirements and academy classes that have as few as 7 cadets.
(End Sidebar)
Since APD is having trouble recruiting NEW officers they have put in place a series of incentives for retired officers to return to APD. These officers not only receive their retirement, but they receive a little more than $4,300 a year more than the same officer with the same rank and longevity (APD Benefits & Salary). Don't get us wrong, we don't think that rehiring experienced officers is not necessarily a bad idea; but when you have a system in place that incentivizes return, then you have also created a system that incentives departure.
A patrolman 1st class with 20 plus years of experience makes $50,180 per year. If they wait and retire at 22 years and 10 months of service they will receive 80% of that pay equaling $40,144 per year. When they return they will earn $41,745.60 as a patrolman 1st class, jumping to $43,825.60 after 1 year. In other words, they will be making $83,969.60 per year. By retiring, they get a $33,789.60 raise. They'd be crazy not to retire, particularly since they've topped out in pay.
The rehire program is simply a stop-gap measure that only slows attrition. When you rehire a retired officer, you have a net gain of zero, better than a net loss but we're really incentivizing the wrong thing. Not to mention our Eyes tell us that senior officers have not received a pay raise in 10 years.
We've got an idea... Perhaps it's time that the city council and Mayor Marty get together and decide to pay all of the officer's better and incentivize continued service with additional benefits, instead of building arenas and giving HUGE tax breaks to developments like Mesa Del Sol and developer Forrest City Covington. After all, how can we have confidence in our businesses and our daily lives when we can't keep crime fighters on the street?
The bottom line here is that Mayor Marty and the council are responsible for police protection or lack thereof. It's their first responsibility. The very fact that this no confidence vote has been placed in motion should give us all pause; and it's a reflection not only on Chief Schultz but on the Chavez administration as well.
Apr 20, 2007
No Confidence Clarification
Last night's meeting of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association has a little different twist than we first reported (Ok, Ok... we were only half right). According to our Eyes, the full vote of the general membership has not taken place. Apparently there has been a change in the APOA bylaws that mandates a 30 day "cooling off" period between the motion for a vote of no confidence and the actual vote. The Eyes have it that the change was made after a single meeting vote of no confidence was passed by the general membership involving former Deputy Chief Ed Sauer.
As a result, our earlier report regarding a no confidence vote for Chief Ray Schultz was only partially right (which means partially wrong for all of you half empty types). Last night's meeting put the wheels in motion for a no confidence vote as there is a motion to hold a vote and that motion was seconded, which should result in a vote sometime next month.
Our Eyes are also telling us that the driving force behind the vote is a group of young officers who are unhappy with their pay, the favoritism shown re-hire officers (retired officers who are receiving retirement and pay), as well as what they consider to be Chief Schultz's excessive disciplinary actions. Specifically, the termination of officer Ben Kirby whose termination came after walking developer Jason Daskalos out of the DWI detention van.
We'll have to see whether these young officers have the muscle and determination to accomplish what they have set in motion. A 30 day period will provide time for the chief to "campaign" against the no confidence vote, and for outsiders like city councilors and the chamber of commerce to weigh in on the issue. It is said that both the council and the chamber are big supporters of Chief Schultz, not to mention Mayor Marty's sure to be out there drumming up support.
Frankly, for a no confidence vote to succeed, those opposed to Chief Schultz will have to get organized and be ready to confront a whole host of Schultz supporters and perhaps even some dirty politics. Remember, the 5th floor is more about politics than law enforcement, and the 30 day "cooling off" period moves the game onto their home court.
As a result, our earlier report regarding a no confidence vote for Chief Ray Schultz was only partially right (which means partially wrong for all of you half empty types). Last night's meeting put the wheels in motion for a no confidence vote as there is a motion to hold a vote and that motion was seconded, which should result in a vote sometime next month.
Our Eyes are also telling us that the driving force behind the vote is a group of young officers who are unhappy with their pay, the favoritism shown re-hire officers (retired officers who are receiving retirement and pay), as well as what they consider to be Chief Schultz's excessive disciplinary actions. Specifically, the termination of officer Ben Kirby whose termination came after walking developer Jason Daskalos out of the DWI detention van.
We'll have to see whether these young officers have the muscle and determination to accomplish what they have set in motion. A 30 day period will provide time for the chief to "campaign" against the no confidence vote, and for outsiders like city councilors and the chamber of commerce to weigh in on the issue. It is said that both the council and the chamber are big supporters of Chief Schultz, not to mention Mayor Marty's sure to be out there drumming up support.
Frankly, for a no confidence vote to succeed, those opposed to Chief Schultz will have to get organized and be ready to confront a whole host of Schultz supporters and perhaps even some dirty politics. Remember, the 5th floor is more about politics than law enforcement, and the 30 day "cooling off" period moves the game onto their home court.
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