Letters to the Eye - A Comment from Officer Steven Arias

We noticed the following comment from Officer Steven Arias. Obviously, we can't absolutely verify that he's the author but he make some good points that bear reading. Of course we don't agree with everything Mr. Arias has to say particularly concerning our motivation.

To us it's about the health of the Albuquerque Police Department. For far too long there have been infections festering beneath the surface. Often one must lance an infection - a painful process to be sure but one that will result in a healthy department from top to bottom.

We want to thank Officer Arias for taking the time to post his thoughtful comment.

(Fr: Steven Arias)
34s-
We need to take a step back and breath, please! Why is everyone so angry? The money? We disagree, I understand that but these personal attacks have crossed the line. They have no place in negotiations, arguments, and debates. Tuesday afternoon, Sgt. Heh and I got together on a 47 trial. God has a great sense of humor...but you know what? We acted like mature adults, studied the 42 together, exchanged thoughts, and eventually got a plea conviction because of Sgt. Heh's testimony. After, in the lobby, we again exchanged thoughts and ideas on the department's status and the contract. We disagree, but we did so objectively, and like adults, and we even overcame our petty personal differences to get a drunk driver his due legal punishment, shook hands, and pressed on with our business. In the end, that's all the citizens of ABQ care about; they don't care about our high school-trash talking and drama. They care about living in peace. I used to read this blog for entertainment purposes as well as a diverse source of information that I often disagree with (my reading of this blog ends tonight). However, to the author of this blog, you have a hand in playing these officers against each other- you understand how contentious the situation is- you have played it for e-ratings. If you cared about the health of the department, you would not approve the comments from anonymous men and women who feel at liberty to make personal attacks because they know they will never be held to account. Rather, you would use your blog as vehicle of reconciliation, and a place for legitimate debate among our diverse ideas. Please stop with these biased articles constantly condemning the leadership for every conspiratorial misfortune, or at the very least, please use better judgment in discouraging hateful and intellectually-bankrupt comments. I want everyone to have a voice and excercise their freedom of speech, but some people are yelling "FIRE!" in a crowded room. This has tangible effects on people's feelings, performance, and self-esteem. I understand you feel afraid to put your name out there as the author; but if we're standing up for what we believe is right without attacking people, and are punished at the end of the day, I could still live with myself, and so could you. To me, I.A. has no wrath like what 34's have brought upon on each other. Sgt. Heh told me Tuesday he was informed of an I.A. investigation. None of us should bask in delight over this; I don't like going to I.A., and I can tell you that I do not wish I.A. on anyone. I know some of you anonymous folks out there blame me for the misfortunes of some in I.A., but I said my piece to those of you who were at the meeting... face to crowd. I never went to any length to file any complaints against anyone, in fact abuses of positions of power were well known at high levels of command prior to my hearing 34's complaining about it. I do not like going to I.A. and I don't want any of you there; if you received "the letter" it's because someone filed a formal complaint on you. Sgt. Heh and I talked about this, he knows my position isn't about the money, but defending officers who can't defend themselves or will not. I don't need the money, but some young officers and recruits wanting to come to APD do, and ALL of us deserve it...and I thank the union guys and gals, the council, the administration, and the public for no longer treating law-enforcement as a privelege, but now as a PRIORITY. This contract may save the department and the city...we're losing our grip on crime despite the great efforts of a disproportionate number of 34s-to-citizens. Sgt. Heh is still a cop; the Chief is still a cop; Marty is still the mayor; the union guys are still cops; we're playing on the same team. We may not agree or like our leaders/teammates but that is in no way justification for some of the things said here. I'm asking those who agree and disagree to extend eachother respect and courtesy merely because of that. I'm also asking everyone to stop making personal attacks on one another and feeding into this blog. You may feel that the author is our friend, but a friend doesn't play you against your other friends. That goes for attacks on the Mayor, the Chief, the councilors, the union folks and anyone you disagree with, it means nothing to say angry words on a blog that further our problems- approach them like professionals, it gains better results, and it's how 34s conduct themselves. If you have something to say, attend an APOA meeting and let's talk. Or call that person and discuss your issues. Talk to each other. I know 34s in the union and elsewhere who are feeling sick from all of this...because of what **WE** are doing to **EACHOTHER**. Some of you will undoubtedly tell me to stick it... fine. Every word we speak in this job may be our last, so, if for nothing else, let our last words to each other not be in anger. It shouldn't take tragedy to bring us together, and it shouldn't take money to divide us. It's in OUR hands.
-Arias