ALBUQUERQUE’S POLICE FORCE IS ABOUT 200 OFFICERS SHORT OF IT’S RECCOMMENDED STAFFING LEVEL OF 1-THOUSAND. MAYOR R-J BERRY SAYS THEY CAN IMPROVE THAT NUMBER BY ALLOWING RETIRED OFFICERS TO RETURN TO WORK WHILE STILL COLLECTING THEIR PENSION.
BERRY IS HOPING LEGISLATION HEADING TO SANTA FE WILL ONCE AGAIN ALLOW FOR THOSE RE-HIRES. HE SAYS THE MEASURE ONLY AFFECTS OFFICERS WHO RETIRED BEFORE THE END OF LAST YEAR, SO IT DOESN’T ENCOURAGE MORE RETIREMENTS.
BERRY SAYS THE CITY WAS ABLE TO RE-HIRE OFFICERS UP UNTIL THE LAW WAS CHANGED IN 2010. HE TELLS US THAT CHANGE IN THE LAW IS ONE REASON APD’S STAFFING LEVEL HAS DROPPED.
