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Mayor Richard Berry and APD Chief Ray Schultz have issued statements calling for a halt to the police union’s practice of issuing $500 checks to officers involved in shootings.
Here’s the mayor’s statement:
“The administration has nothing to do with how the union conducts their business, but I was shocked yesterday when made aware of this practice. I cannot stand aside and condone this practice– it needs to end now. We all support our fine officers, but I have directed Chief Shultz to work with the union to ensure this practice no longer continues.”
Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz, left, is seen during a press conference at APD headquarters Thursday afternoon. (Marla Brose/Journal)
And Chief Schultz, through a spokeswoman:
“What we have learned about this practice thus far is troubling. We support our officers when they are placed in these critical incidents. However, we recognize the union is further putting these officers in an untenable situation that we don’t agree with. After discussions with Chief Schultz this morning, the union has agreed to hold an emergency board meeting to discuss suspending the practice.”
The statements are in response to this morning’s Journal story, which you can read here.
Pick up a copy of tomorrow’s paper for continuing coverage.
-- Email the reporter at jproctor@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-823-3951
