Backlog of cases causes concern

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Dozens of officers accused of misconduct, some facing criminal charges still have their law enforcement certification because of a backlog of cases.

The board that oversees their certifications held an emergency meeting Tuesday afternoon to discuss what is holding up the cases.

The agenda said it all, board members feel the attorney general's office is dragging its feet when it comes to prosecuting cops.

Attorney General Gary King is the board's chairman and his office provides a prosecutor for the cases.

Last week it was reported that there were about 60 cases involving officers that have yet to be brought before the board.

During the meeting King said it was actually more like 100 cases that are back-logged.

The concern of board members is that while cases are pending officers who have been fired from one department for misconduct can go work at another department because they still have their certification.

The board believes the reason those cases are taking so long is because the prosecutor assigned to deal with them is inexperienced and not prepared.

"Given the fact that we carry such weight one would think that the prosecutor that the attorney general would assign to us would be experienced, skilled, knowledgeable and know about trial work, but one would be wrong," said board member Nate Korn.

The attorney general went to bat for his prosecutor saying he does a great job adding that all the backlog cannot be blamed on just one person.

Board members say they have no confidence in the prosecutor and they want a new one.

Another concern brought up today.. is that officers who are wrongly accused or who have committed minor infractions have a cloud hanging over them as they wait to be cleared or disciplined.