Law Enforcement Corruption: Bumbling by Albuquerque City Leaders Continues Over Police Shootings

City Councilors, Mayor Battle Over Police Shootings
The Albuquerque Journal by Dan McKay - April 17, 2012

A familiar question dominated much of Monday’s City Council meeting: How should City Hall respond to the number of people shot by Albuquerque police?

Few clear answers emerged, but there was plenty of debate. City Councilor Isaac Benton said he took “high offense” to the mayoral administration questioning whether he and other council Democrats support the men and woman of the Albuquerque Police Department. Benton said he takes issue with the leadership of the department, not its rank and file. The administration, in turn, said Benton and other critics had failed to offer any constructive recommendations on how to respond to the police shootings. And yet again, the relatives of those shot by police added their voices to the debate, calling for a review of the police-oversight system. One speaker broached the idea of seeking a national boycott of Albuquerque because of the shootings. The emotional debate is becoming a familiar one at council meetings. Among the highlights Monday:

♦ Rob Perry, the top administrator under Mayor Richard Berry, said officers must often make quick decisions when they’re under attack, sometimes by people with weapons. The shootings, then, must be considered on a case-by-case basis, he said.
♦ Councilor Rey Garduño said the mayor ought to attend the council meetings and listen to the debate in person. Perry said the mayor is open to meeting with councilors. Benton and three other council Democrats signed a letter last week calling on the mayor to take action to restore trust in the Police Department following 23 shootings since the beginning of 2010. Perry said the mayor’s comments were justified, given the contents of the councilors’ letter.
♦ Dan Lewis, a Republican, said it’s “the job of the council to question this administration, in every department.” — This article appeared on page C1 of the Albuquerque Journal

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