Crime and enforcement
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12/25/2013
Albuquerque crime: There’s a good bit of property crime, mainly vehicle thefts and vandalism, but a lot of break ins. Violent crime is moderate-to-low in our vicinity. Crimes tend to be concentrated to particular areas. A bit of research before choosing a neighborhood will greatly improve your odds of a peaceful life here. The state and metro police seem to have been in relative disarray for a long time. Both have trouble attracting and retaining quality officers. There have been more than a few high-profile cases of police misbehavior that have cost taxpayers millions in lawsuits. In short, law enforcement appears be less professional and effective than needed. There's a sense that some officers are cavalier and abusive, leading to a lack of trust from the public. (One acquaintance recently showed me statistics indicating Albuquerque rates significantly higher for political corruption than does Mexico City!) On the other hand, it is often unclear what officers are supposed to do -- what is appropriate and legal -- in various situations. For example, when is it appropriate to use a firearm? When to engage in high-speed pursuit? These issues seem to lack legal and policy clarity and are made more difficult by ceaseless sensationalized media coverage. Better law enforcement will require both better (more qualified, more ethical) officers and clarity of laws and LE policies. And getting more and better cops means paying them more (as with teachers, etc.).
Mark | Lexington-Fayette, KY