ALBUQUERQUE: Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said he went both inside the outside the Albuquerque Police Department for leadership to fight crime and reform the entire organization.The Mayor announced last Monday his selection of interim Chief Harold Medina to be the new chief and Sylvester Stanley, currently chief of Isleta Pueblo, as superintendent of police reform, a new position.Medina was named interim chief with the departure of the previous chief in late 2020.The new chief will focus on crime-fighting activities in the Dukes city, recruiting police officers and building morale. [47] Dr. Giner's review determined that APD lacked "tight, executive-level command and control" that could effectively implement reforms. On 2/14, detectives working a theft investigation contacted officers in the NE about the suspect. [7] During his tenure between 1948 and 1971, Albuquerque's population more than doubled from 96,000 to 250,000 residents, resulting in Albuquerque Police Department growing from 30 police officers He has more than 22 years of law enforcement experience and was working as a contractor conducting background checks for APD during the pandemic, Atkins said. The 311 Community Contact Center is a centralized call center for the City of Albuquerque. [46] The following month, the independent monitor enlisted to oversee implementation of the consent decree, Dr. James Ginger, raised doubts about APD's commitment to reform, questioning whether the department was taking into account prior reports and recommendations. Footage captured on body mounted cameras shows one officer unleashing his K-9 German shepherd against Boyd as he lay on the ground wheezing. [38] Following the report, the city and the DOJ negotiated a court-enforceable consent decree which set forth 106 pages of provisions, including the dismantling of the Repeat Offender Project and the reining in of the SWAT team, which had operated outside the command structure for years. [45] The investigators described the city's police department as the most violent in the country, with the highest rate of fatal shootings by officers in the United States, eight times that of the police in New York City, and nearly double that of Chicago police.[45]. In addition to reforms of the police department, in June 2020, Mayor Tim Keller announced the creation of the Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Department, an alternative to law enforcement that responds to calls related to nonviolent matters such as intoxication, homelessness, addiction, and mental health. Mayor Berry stated the protest was sidelined by a small group within the larger demonstration that was determined to create havoc. (LogOut/ "[59] In 2014, the mayor's office reiterated its refusal to allow the television show access to the city police.[60]. I will be working with Chief Schultz and Rob Perry over the coming days and weeks to implement a transition plan that continues to keep the citizens of Albuquerque safe while moving the department forward.. [15] However, the 34% target had been exceeded by 1993 with a 39.4% Hispanic-surnamed force. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The Albuquerque Police Department has announced new leadership. The chief of staff position will now be called director for the Office of the Chief, Atkins said. [33] Following a five-hour standoff, Boyd, who was carrying two camping knives in his hands, was shot three times, in the back and both arms, from at least ten feet away with a semi-automatic rifle. View the sitemap for the City of Albuquerque website. APD is under a Court-Approved Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to change officers approach to using force during arrests. However, in 2001 Mayor Martin Chvez refused to allow the program to shoot additional episodes, explaining that "the city's police officers are portrayed in a good light, but the rest of the city looks horrible." This is an important milestone for the Albuquerque Police Department because it reflects the success across the department, said Victor Valdez, Superintendent of Police Reform at APD. Officers have used their guns less since the new training was implemented: In 2013, officers used their guns 15 times, resulting in eight deaths or injuries; in 2015, guns were drawn 10 times and five people were killed. An air unit operates a Eurocopter EC120, and a Cessna 182. 12 Mar 2021 Geldryn Deleon Harold Medina New Chief of Police in Albuquerque ALBUQUERQUE: Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said he went both inside the outside the Albuquerque Police Department for leadership to fight crime and reform the entire organization. APD came under heavy fire in two articles in early 2015, one in Rolling Stone[33] and one in The New Yorker. March 1, 2023. WebThe Albuquerque Police Department provides a variety of Online Services to assist you. Thirteen civilians were shot during the disorder, some by police officers and some by private citizens repelling the sporadic looting that accompanied the unrest. Officers operate out of six area commands. New Mexico State Police spokesman Ray Wilson said officers arrested 52-year-old Darren Powell last week at his home in La Luz. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. While on patrol, a Sgt. In October 2016, Albuquerque's Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA) reported receiving 125 police complaints and 93 "job well done" responses by residents in the first half of the year. [a] The city's first police chief, J.R. Galusha, was appointed in 1916. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Albuquerque Police Department Chief Ray Schultz announced plans to retire Friday. WebPolice Chief Harold Medina believes in principles that are focused on community and law enforcement partnerships, problem solving, and transforming the department to help create a strong bond of trust with the community. APD has a history of police brutality and misconduct, and between 2010 and 2016 reportedly had the highest rate of police-involved fatal shootings in the United States. The contents of any site or link not maintained by the City does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of the City of Albuquerque, its officials, agents or employees. She replaces Arturo Gonzalez, who just retired, according to Rebecca Atkins, an APD spokeswoman. Thats more than the Chief of Police ($145,018), the Mayor of Albuquerque ($125,279), even the Governor ($110,000). This link will take you to a site over which the City of Albuquerque has no control. It is the largest police force in the state, with approximately 1,000 sworn officers in 2022. Of those incidents, APDs Internal Affairs Division determined He sees a need for change. [16], Into the 21st century, Albuquerque's police department entered an extended period of public controversy after revelations of financial impropriety in the police officers' union, and repeated high cash settlements to plaintiffs with claims ranging from wrongful death to whistleblower harassment. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The Albuquerque Police Department has announced new leadership. Despite the hiring challenges in law enforcement around the country, APD is pleased to welcome these new, talented professionals to our department, said Police Chief Harold Medina. [35] Boyd's brother filed a wrongful death suit against the city, which was settled in July 2015 for $5 million. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KOAT-TV. [43], On January 12, 2015, two Albuquerque PD officers involved in the death of James Boyd, Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez, were charged with open counts of murder, marking the first time since 1977 that city police officers involved in a deadly shooting were prosecuted. Albuquerque Chief of Police Harold Medina. [49] Although there were record police shootings in 2022,[50] the trend of fewer fatalities persisted: From 2020 to early November 2022, there were a total of 35 police shootings, of which 18 of were fatal, constituting a fatality rate of 51%; by comparison, there were a total of 25 shootings, and 17 fatalities, from 2010 to early November 2012, a fatality rate of about 68%.[51]. Embattled APD Chief Ray Schultz to retire. Area Commands View information about the six APD area commands. [13] On May 15, 1978, the parties agreed to a stipulated judgment that required the city to pay $8,000 to Beserra and $8,000 to the Chicano Police Officers' Association, meet an affirmative action goal of 34% Hispanic-surnamed people in the police department by July 1, 1981, and complete an affirmative action internal audit of the police department to verifiably validate the testing procedures for promotion. A multiagency investigation that police say will take two weeks is already underway, but Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina has asked Balderas to intervene out of an abundance of caution. Leads Online: Pawned or Stolen Property. [13] Despite the settlement, complaints continued[14] even into the 1990s. [13] After the settlement was approved, the lawyers for the Chicano Police Officers' Association requested more money from the city for attorney's fees, and over the dissent of Chief Judge Seth, the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court ordered them to be paid. As a result of the consent decree, APD officers now receive training on how to minimize the use of force in high stress situations. The incident drew national attention to Albuquerque's struggles with police-related violence; protests erupted against the excessive use of force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation. Writer and Journalist He became a first-generation college student and graduated within four years. Albuquerque police Chief Harold Medina recalls his cadet training as military style with awards based on physical strength and shooting ability. New Mexico and ABQ News, Sports, Business and more, By Elise Kaplan / Journal Staff Writer [44], An April 2016 investigation by Al Jazeera, which included interviews with former officers, local lawyers, and journalists, found that reforms initiated under the consent decree had only "scratch[ed] the surface" of APD's "corrupt and violent culture", which had allegedly "continued unabated". Stephen Torres, the victim's father, won a wrongful death lawsuit against APD. Mailing Address P.O. APD was also to assign a Chicano police officer to the police academy; and expand department language and cultural awareness training. Atrisco Heritage Academy HS, Kirtland Air Force Base, and National Museum of Nuclear Science & History are adjacent to but outside of the city limits.Rio Grande HS and Sandia Peak Tramway are near but not in the city limits. By visiting the following links you will be able to file a police report, purchase a traffic accident report, pay your alarm fees, and obtain crime statistics. An exact retirement date has not been revealed by city of Albuquerque officials. Chief Shaver administration saw the establishment of a permanent police academy and range, and the creation of the Records Unit and Juvenile Division; police communications, patrol strategies, and investigative procedures were likewise professionalized and modernized.[8]. Online Police Report. [7] During his tenure between 1948 and 1971, Albuquerque's population more than doubled from 96,000 to 250,000 residents, resulting in Albuquerque Police Department growing from 30 police officers 12 Mar 2021 Geldryn Deleon Harold Medina New Chief of Police in Albuquerque ALBUQUERQUE: Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said he went both inside the outside the Albuquerque Police Department for leadership to fight crime and reform the entire organization. According to police, officers opened fire after Martin exited his home shooting wildly at nearby houses with two handguns. The contents of any site or link not maintained by the City does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of the City of Albuquerque, its officials, agents or employees. Box 1293 One Civic Plaza Room 7057 Albuquerque New Mexico 87103 Harold Medina received a Bachelors degree with a double major in Biology and Criminology through the college of Arts and Science from the University of New Mexico in 1994. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Photos: What they're saying about Schultz'sretirement. I will be working with Chief Schultz and Rob Perry over the coming days and weeks to implement a transition plan that continues to keep the citizens of Albuquerque safe while moving the department forward.Schultz and Berry will discuss his retirement further on Monday afternoon.Schultz's retirement comes in the middle of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the use of force by the Albuquerque Police Department.The city has seen a string of officer-involved shootings -- 18 of them fatal -- since 2010.The department also has been plagued by a number of high-profile cases alleging excessive force by officers, including some cases caught on video.Photos: What they're saying about Schultz'sretirement. Harold Medina received a Bachelors degree with a double major in Biology and Criminology through the college of Arts and Science from the University of New Mexico in 1994. [36], Within a month of the Boyd shooting, the DOJ released its report, concluded that the Albuquerque Police Department had a "culture of acceptance of the use of excessive force", frequently not justified by the circumstances, which undervalued civilian safety, discounted the importance of crisis intervention, and caused significant harm or injury to people who posed no threat;[37] the report also found that APD engaged "in a pattern or practice of violating residents' Fourth Amendment rights" and of using deadly force "in an unconstitutional manner". After investigating allegations of police officers violating APD policy, CPOA found that the police chief disagreed with its findings or disciplinary recommendations in about 7 percent of cases, albeit without direct explanation. He became a first-generation college student and graduated within four years. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Area Commands View information about the six APD area commands. The ensuing three-day melee was brought under control only after the deployment of the New Mexico National Guard. [32], On March 16, 2014, several Albuquerque police officers were involved in the shooting death of James Boyd, a mentally ill homeless man who was illegally camping on the Sandia Mountains foothills. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. The Albuquerque Police Department has a new chief in charge. In addition to serving as the primary police force of Albuquerque, APD officers are sworn in as special deputy sheriffs by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, which grants jurisdiction over Bernalillo County. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. . WebThe city has narrowed its choice to be the next chief of the Albuquerque Police Department to three candidates, including interim chief Harold Medina. Another incident entailed police shooting a man holding a spoon standing in the doorway of his brother's house. Albuquerque Police Department Chief Ray Schultz announced plans to retireFriday.An exact retirement date has not been revealed by city of Albuquerque officials. Amid resistance to the ongoing consent decree, the Albuquerque Police Officers' Association, the local police union, launched a billboard campaign against "endless DOJ oversight" in April 2021. As mayor, my respect and thanks go out to Chief Schultz for his dedication and service to this community, said Mayor Richard Berry. Manage the news you want to see, read exclusive content and explore other subscriber benefits. The chief said he will assist with the selection of the next chief and the upcoming transition.I believe in the department and our city, and as such know that a true leader knows when it is the proper time to step aside and let the next generation continue the mission, Schultz wrote.As mayor, my respect and thanks go out to Chief Schultz for his dedication and service to this community, said Mayor Richard Berry. Email addresses are used solely for verification and to speed the verification process for repeat questioners. In reality, force is rarely used and when it is necessary, officers are making good decisions based on training and sound judgment.. APD officers were involved in 296 use-of-force incidents between Aug. 1, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023. Published: Monday, November 22nd, 2021 at 6:05PMUpdated: Monday, November 22nd, 2021 at 10:58PM. I have enjoyed working with him over the past three years and I have been impressed with his ability as an innovator and as a leader who cares deeply about this city and his department. [27] In February 2014, Chief Ray Schultz stepped down due to ongoing controversy; he was replaced by Gorden Eden. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Albuquerque Police Department Chief Ray Schultz announced plans to retire Friday. Stanley will oversee discipline of officers as well as the departments academy and Internal Affairs division and work with the U.S. Department of Justice.It takes both an insider and an outsider to strike the right balance on the dual challenges of crime-fighting and police reform, Keller said.Medina is the first Hispanic to be Albuquerques police chief since 2001.Both Medina and Stanley will report to the citys chief administrative officer, Sarita Nair. Albuquerque Police Department. A multiagency investigation that police say will take two weeks is already underway, but Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina has asked Balderas to intervene out of an abundance of caution. Box 1293 One Civic Plaza Room 7057 Albuquerque New Mexico 87103 Online Police Report. What should I do if I am stopped by a police officer? Of those incidents, APDs Internal Affairs Division determined that 15 were out of policy. In a letter sent to the Chief Administrative Officer Rob Perry on Wednesday, Schultz memorialized his time in office, discussed his future plans, and highlighted the departments major accomplishments. As of June 2022, APD reportedly employed roughly 1,000 personnel, out of an approved strength of 1,400. [21] In January 2010, APD officer Brett Lampiris-Tremba shot Kenneth Ellis III, an Iraq veteran threatening to commit suicide at a 7-Eleven; the following year, Lampis-Tremba shot another man in the back, and two of his fellow officers were caught on a security camera repeatedly kicking an unarmed man in the head then doing high-fives over his body when the man lost consciousness. Traffic Accident (Crash) Reports. Show this thread. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is the municipal law enforcement agency of Albuquerque, New Mexico. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The Albuquerque Police Department has announced new leadership. Starting in 1881, the unincorporated town of Albuquerque had been patrolled by a succession of marshals, aided by volunteer watchmen. WebThe city has narrowed its choice to be the next chief of the Albuquerque Police Department to three candidates, including interim chief Harold Medina. In addition to the new hires at APD, the Office of Civil Rights brought on Hallie McCormick, who most recently was working on the sexual assault kit backlog at the state level. View the sitemap for the City of Albuquerque website.