SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – A new FBI report presented to the Legislative Finance Committee takes a deep dive into the crime problems in New Mexico and gives recommendations on what police, courts, and prisons need to change.
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“New Mexico’s crime rates remain above the national average driven by high crime rates in Bernalillo County,” said Program Evaluator Ryan Tolman.
That is how program evaluators began their presentation on the crime rates in New Mexico. Referencing data from an FBI report that is more than two years old, it shows Bernalillo County and Albuquerque as two of the leading areas for crime.
The Legislative Finance Committee is trying to find solutions to the core problems of why people are committing crimes. However, evaluators say hope is not lost. “However, we know it is effective, and where it is that we can divert our efforts at reducing crime. Such as treating its root causes,” said Tolman.
During the hearing, evaluators provided a list of recommendations to target major crime problems. Suggestions include outlining minimum standards for pretrial services and adding more people who can determine whether someone is competent or not.
Evaluators also advised increasing the number of sworn law enforcement officers to meet staffing targets. This sparked a remark from Senator and Chair, George Muñoz.
“I don’t know if it’s a mentality issue that we don’t want to do this or if it’s really you need more officers to deal with this or what, but some of these offenses wow seem very serious and we’re not solving them,” said Committee Chair and Senator George K. Muñoz, (D) Gallup.
At one point, Senator Joseph Cervantes “crashed” the meeting and offered his thoughts on why crime continues to increase and pointed to the DWI dismissal scandal. “In Bernalillo County, the reason DWI cases are getting dismissed is because the cops are on the take. Right? What are we afraid of saying, they were getting paid off,” said Senator Joseph Cervantes (D), Las Cruces. “It’s not that hard to train police to do it right and when they’re not doing it right maybe the people that are supposed to be in charge of them should be replaced.”
The report also states that the legislature has appropriated roughly $829 million to address crime over the past three years. Other recommendations listed included having joint patrols in hot spot areas, between the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
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