Questions for Mayor Marty

Mayor Marty recently bragged about how the violent crime rate is dropping in Albuquerque - yet he fails to call any press conferences about a real problem with Albuquerque's Finest.

Here is the most recent scandal; the alleged beating of an African American Heart Surgeon by an APD Police Officer.

Dr. Vincent Moss - who is also a commissioned officer in the US Army - came to New Mexico on a two month sabbatical to volunteer his medical services for indigent children on the Navajo Reservation. He was schedueled to be here for the two month period of time left before deployment to Iraq for his duty assignment.

Major Moss claims he sustained a black eye and dislocated shoulder at the hands of APD arresting Officer Allen Hancock. Officer Hancock has an established history of citizen complaints regarding use excessive force and misconduct; his past actions have left the City of Albuquerque to defend him in four lawsuits leveled against APD. Two of the lawsuits were filed in Federal court. It is unclear whether the other cases have been adjudicated or are still pending. If Dr. Moss elects to, it appears te City of Albuquerque will be will be facing a fifth lawsuit on behalf of Officer Hancock.

The City of Albuquerque has already been forced to pay out an undisclosed amount of money because of Officer Hancock's interpretation in training regarding the Reactive Control Model [RCM] developed by Personnel previously asssociated with the New Mexico Department of Public safety [NMDPS]. By law, NMDPS maintains jurisdiction over training and procedures for all police officers in the State of New Mexico. APD is required to teach the RCM in order to maintain it's police academy's State certification.

The following is an exerpt from an excellent post by New Mexico Matters regarding the rise in citizen complaints to the Police Oversight Commission against APD officers - up 25% this year and already higher than the total number of complaints this time last year.

From, "Mayor Marty: Taking Credit But Not Responsibility"
written by, New Mexico Matter Matters,

"... it's hard to argue that Mayor Chavez ins't in fact responsible, in some way or another, for allowing Officer Hancock to continue to police the city when a reasonable person might have otherwise suggested that the officer be removed, if for no other reason that to protect the city from any further lawsuits.

Here are some of the questions that Mayor Chavez should be asked and for which he should provide answers.

1) When did you first become aware that the City of Abq had been sued as a result of Officer Hancock's behavior ?
2) Was the conduct of officer Hancock ever brought to your attention during meetings with APD or legal staff ?
3) Are you ultimately the final authority on city personnel issues?

4) Has disciplinary action ever been taken against officer Hancock in relation to any of the complaints filed against him? If so, what actions were taken and when?
5) How many other officers have been named in suits against the APD ?
6) How many of these officers have been named in multiple suits ?
7) Why wasn't Officer Hancock removed from the force once his first suit was settled?
8) What are the projected costs of legal fees and settlements associated with pending suits against the APD?
9) How much did the APD pay out in 2004 in legal settlements and legal fees?"

Most likely, Mayor Marty will ignore this issue the same way he ignored the issue of teenage drinking when his daughter was busted for that offense a few months ago.

Hey! he has a million plus dollars. Why should he answer to anyone? After all, the Mayorship for Albuquerque is already bought and paid for.

I only recently happened upon this blog and all I can say is, 'wow.' I strongly reccommend this site because it represents a voice of conscience. It has at least another post regarding APD.

For further information, click on the highlighted - bold type words and they will link you to the referenced site.