OPINION: Perea starting to look like the next district attorney

Edmund Perea’s Oct. 5 editorial in the Journal has all the makings of what a very capable candidate for Bernalillo County District Attorney could be, whenever that seat is open for election.

Perea gave a very compelling perspective on the rule of law of our law enforcement professionals and their allegiance and loyalty to the community they serve. In a systematic fashion, he takes the reader through a maze of all the elements that local law enforcement would cede by capitulating in carrying out the priorities of federal immigration enforcement. What struck a vein in his editorial is where he states that when local law enforcement is drawn into federal political battles, their impartiality and legitimacy of policing is eroded, that they cease being neutral protectors of their communities and risk becoming political actors.

If Perea were to pursue the post of district attorney, he brings a very dynamic and unique quality — he has an unblemished background in law enforcement. To be exact, 24 years with the Albuquerque Police Department, retiring with the rank of lieutenant.

He is not alone in his role as an officer of APD in serving and protecting the people of Albuquerque. He is a fourth- generation Perea who, combined with his father, daughter and grandson, have a glorious 60 years of service with APD. This family was born to serve and lead, and their humble origins originate from the Spanish Land Grant community of Torreon in the East Mountains.

I see two things that will not be tolerated under a Perea administration: first is the egregious dismissal of a DWI case because the arresting officer does not show up for the hearing; secondly, going soft on law enforcement officers who hide behind the badge while engaging in criminal activity. These two examples are core principles that Edmund Perea addresses in his editorial — these principles being the strict adherence to the rule of law and upholding the pillars of our constitution, which is to protect and defend the public safety, public health, public welfare and morals of the community.