Category: Justice New Mexico

APD report reveals systemic failures in police reform

APD logo and art courtesy of NMPBS

By Ludella Awad / NM News Port An independent monitor overseeing the Albuquerque Police Department’s reform process concluded that police reform efforts have failed and aren’t likely to improve until APD “shoulders its burden” to take responsibility for violations of policy and training. In the Monitor’s Twelfth Report released by court-appointed monitor James Ginger, the… Continue reading APD report reveals systemic failures in police reform

Albuquerque Community Safety Department ambitious in purpose, limited in funding

Security officers respond to a down-and-out call on Central Ave. While ACS is in it’s transition phase, local security forces have been responding to non-emergent calls in their place. (Gordon Payne)

By Gordon Payne / NM News Port As 2020 comes to a close, the mayor of New Mexico’s largest city will have to hope for better times next year if one of his key public safety initiatives is going to be realized. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller hoped to build on his “fighting crime from all… Continue reading Albuquerque Community Safety Department ambitious in purpose, limited in funding

Tension rises at APD as Keller looks for a new police chief

Mayor Tim Keller and former Albuquerque Police Chief Mike Geier along with Interim Chief Harold Medina gathered at a press conference earlier last year. (Ludella Awad / NM News Port)

By Ludella Awad / NM News Port The Albuquerque Police Department is engaged in some self-assessment and image-polishing as Mayor Tim Keller conducts a national search for a new police chief. It’s been a month since former Albuquerque Police Chief Mike Geier announced his sudden retirement at a press conference. Geier has since told New… Continue reading Tension rises at APD as Keller looks for a new police chief

Albuquerque Police Chief Mike Geier announces sudden retirement

Police Chief Mike Geier, along with Mayor Keller, updates the public on the state's COVID-19 response at a press conference. (Ludella Awad / NM News Port)

By Ludella Awad / NM News Port After three years as police chief of the Albuquerque Police Department, Mike Geier is retiring, effective Sept. 11, 2020. Geier made the announcement on Sept. 9.  “It has been an honor to lead the Albuquerque Police Department,” Geier said in a statement. “After 47 years in law enforcement,… Continue reading Albuquerque Police Chief Mike Geier announces sudden retirement

Keller introduces new leadership of Violence Intervention Program

Family and friends hold a vigil to honor the life of Jacqueline Vigil, who was shot and killed in her driveway in November 2019. Mayor Keller is taking a different approach under the Violence Intervention Program, that combines law enforcement with social workers to prevent gun violence. (Ludella Awad / NM News Port)

By Ludella Awad / NM News Port Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has introduced new leadership of the Violence Intervention Program (VIP), an initiative announced last year that combines law enforcement with social workers in an attempt to prevent gun violence. “This is a very unique model,” Keller said, indicating it comes from a public health… Continue reading Keller introduces new leadership of Violence Intervention Program

Albuquerque rousts people from makeshift camps, risking virus spread

A camp under the I-40 overpass in Albuquerque. Image by Marjorie Childress / NMID

By Celia Raney / New Mexico In Depth / Going against federal guidance during the era of COVID-19, Albuquerque city personnel periodically roust homeless encampments. Waking inhabitants before sunrise, police deliver orders over a megaphone for men, women, sometimes families to move along in as quickly as 30 minutes. In the frenzy of gathering themselves… Continue reading Albuquerque rousts people from makeshift camps, risking virus spread