Statement from Chief Ray Schultz on APD probe

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Statements form the Albuquerque Police Department Chief Ray Schultz:

Over the past year, the Albuquerque Police Department has been working with the Department of Justice providing documents and reports, in a proactive manner in order to address any and all areas of concern.  We look forward to continuing to work with all parties involved in order to answer any and all questions that may arise.

The Albuquerque Police Department has a proud history of serving the citizens of Albuquerque in professional manner. I am extremely proud of the innovation exhibited by the department with it comes to embracing new technology, policies and training. The men and women of the Albuquerque Police Department respond to hundreds of calls for service each and every day. Our officers are of the highest quality, and receive excellent training. However, we know that we are not always perfect and that there is always room for improvement. In 2010, when we first noticed an increased number of police/citizen interactions resulting in force it was the men and women of APD who immediately began identifying ways to improve the quality of police services that we deliver. Their recommendations, along with 39 additional ones from the Police Executive Research Forum, were adopted, and to date, over 92% have been implemented. The remaining items are in the development phase and will be completed in the near future. But we did not stop there. We continue to conduct research and to listen to the community about how we can better serve the citizens of Albuquerque. This past summer at the invitation of the Department of Justice and the Consortium for Policing Leadership Equity I met with professionals and academics from across the country where we engaged in meaningful discussion and learned of best practices being enacted nationwide. That was followed up with discussions with Synthia Demons from the Community Relations and Training Division of DOJ. Ms. Demons has agreed to assist APD with specific training that will better help our Field Training Officers and First Line Supervisors deal with diversity in the community. We look forward to a continued partnership and many additional training opportunities to come, to include a hosted community forum.

The Albuquerque Police Department has demonstrated our commitment to the City and to our citizens. We look forward to working with the DOJ investigative team and its panel of experts and identifying any additional steps that we can take to improve our department and our community.  While this investigation is conducted, the public has my assurance that we will continue to provide protection and services to our community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Our commitment will not waiver.

Thank You