APD’s Reforms in Police Training, 2014 Top News Stories

This week on New Mexico in Focus, members of the Albuquerque Police Department’s Crisis intervention Team join mental health advocates to discuss some specific reforms in police training. The Department of Justice report released earlier this year on use of force by APD officers pointed to a need to address how officers deal with people who are mentally ill. The consent decree between the DOJ and the City of Albuquerque calls for improved training and additional resources to address concerns in this area.

Also in this week’s program, we feature a special Line opinion panel of local journalists who are ready to reflect on the year’s top news stories. Over the next two weeks, Gene Grant and the panelists will look at the impact of these issues on life in our state this year. Some of the stories include the Kirtland jet fuel spill, immigration, the ongoing impact of a years-long drought and the state’s behavioral health system.

Host: Gene Grant

Guests:
Nancy Koenigsberg, Disability Rights New Mexico
Dr. Nils Rosenbaum, APD Crisis Intervention Team
Lisa Simpson, Attorney
Lt. Glenn St. Onge, APD Crisis Intervention Team and APD Crisis Outreach and Support Team

Line Panelists:
Russell Contreras, Associated Press
Gwyneth Doland, NMiF Correspondent and UNM Communications & Journalism Instructor
Patrick Malone, Santa Fe New Mexican
Rachel Sams, Albuquerque Business First

The Co-Producers of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS are Megan Kamerick and Sarah Gustavus. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Episode 823 for air December 19, 2014