Letter:APD's actions need to be monitored, dealt with

Editor,

Albuquerque citizens should be aware of the huge problem in this city with unchecked acts of police brutality and the use of excessive force by Albuquerque Police Department officers.

They should also know how the mayor has chosen to deal with this problem. Citing excessive lawsuit settlements, Mayor Ch†vez has adopted a policy of refusing to settle any and all tort claims made against the APD.

I am opposed to frivolous lawsuits as much as anyone. But this policy is a one-sided approach to the problem, and it takes no corrective action against the APD employees responsible for the abuses. The best way to stop abuse claims is to properly train your police department and hold them accountable for any offenses.

But Ch†vez's policy makes it extremely difficult for ordinary citizens to get their case heard in court, and it allows the APD to act with virtual impunity. And there are chronic offenders in the department with numerous Internal Affairs complaints against them, still on the job.

I am a victim myself. Last fall, after midnight at Graham Central Station in Albuquerque, I saw a person who I assumed to be a bouncer shove a young UNM girl to the ground without cause. Not knowing this person was an undercover APD officer, I tried to come to this girl's aid. My arm was broken, and I now have limited use of my right hand.

I was not read any Miranda rights, and I was refused treatment for my injuries. I also overheard many racial slurs. These are not the actions of peace officers, and I remain outraged by these events.

My attorney told me that, given the city's policy, he could not file a complaint without more witnesses to the incident, so this letter is also written with my fervent hope that it may reach people who saw what occurred that night.

Stephen Josephson

Daily Lobo reader