Let’s Talk New Mexico 9/21 8a: It’s the No. 1 issue on voters’ minds heading into the municipal election on October 3. Some mayoral and Council candidates in Albuquerque are calling for more police officers on the force and a new police chief. What do you think it will take to decrease the number of violent crimes and property crimes?
Crime has been an issue here for decades—and a cornerstone of campaign rhetoric. For some politicians, including Gov. Susana Martinez, the answer has always been tougher penalties for criminals. FBI data released this time last year said crime was on the rise around the state and in Albuquerque. Are tougher penalties working?
Big efforts have been made to reform our courts and the Albuquerque Police Department, and people’s opinions vary about whether that’s part of the high crime-rate problem, or the solution. Does the city have to pick between criminal justice reform and public safety?
Crime and the perception of Albuquerque as a dangerous city are impacting some businesses. How bad is the problem? How does crime affect our economy, and visa versa?
What are some of the larger, systemic issues at play here? Do you think education, behavioral health and addiction treatment services, trauma and poverty are factors?
Email letstalk@kunm.org, call in live during the show, or tag us in a Tweet #letstalkNM.
Guests:
- Rachel Sams, Editor-In-Chief, Albuquerque Business First
- Natalie Nicotine, Native American Voters Alliance
- Martin Salazar, Reporter, Albuquerque Journal
- Rep. Antonio “Moe” Maestas, Co-Chair, Criminal Justice Reform Subcommittee
- Carl Reynolds, Senior Legal & Policy Advisor, Council of State Governments Justice Center
- Katrina Hotrum-Lopez, Director, Behavioral Health Initiative for Bernalillo County
Resources:
- Albuquerque Journal’s crime map
- Living dangerously in SE Albuquerque
- AG Sessions’ remarks leave questions about ABQ police reform
- Cost for APD to implement DOJ reforms nearing $3M
- Albuquerque police reforms take center stage at mayoral forum
- Police: New Mexico justice system is broken, changes needed
- Crime is top priority for ABQ mayoral candidates
ABQ Mayoral Candidates On Crime: