Chief of police election proposal

KRQE TV

David Romero

Updated: Aug 6, 2012 11:33 AM

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) — On Monday night, the Albuquerque City Council will discuss a proposal to see if the city's charter should be amended to allow citizens the chance to elect the chief of police.

The proposal by Councilor Ken Sanchez would have the new chief elected every four years. Amending the city's charter for that to happen is what will be discussed on Monday night. 

There has been some public criticism of current Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz and the issues that have happened in the department during his seven years in charge.  There have been 17 deaths in two dozen officer involved shootings.

Sanchez says this has prompted many citizens to complain to councilors about issues within APD.  Sanchez also says if the proposal does not make it past the discussion phase, the problems within the department will still need to be addressed.

Former Albuquerque Public Safety Director Pete Dinelli has spoken out against the proposal saying that leaving the decision up to the voters would be asking for trouble.

The deadline for getting items on the November ballot is September 3.

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