ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Critics of Albuquerque police are denouncing plain clothes officers among a peaceful demonstration and say the move amounts to “spying.'' Organizer James Bowe said Monday there was no need for undercover Albuquerque officers to be placed among a march and rally Saturday since no laws were being broken. The demonstration attracted around 500 protesters who spoke out against 40 Albuquerque police shootings 26 fatal since 2010.
Bowe says Albuquerque police instead should be using its resources to fix the agency amid pending ordered U.S. Justice Department reforms.
In a statement, Police Chief Gorden Eden said the undercover officers were sent “for the sole purpose of monitoring for public safety issues'' after three previous demonstrations turned rowdy.
