ABC News – by RUSSELL CONTRERAS
Albuquerque police oversight panel members on Tuesday demanded an independent investigation into the fatal police shooting of a homeless man as video footage from the altercation brought further condemnation from across the state.
Speaking a day after Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry called video of the shooting “horrific,” Police Oversight Task Force members said a new investigation was needed to examine the death of James Boyd. Members said they wanted an independent review of Albuquerque police and the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said Boyd, 38, died after officers fired stun guns, bean bags and six live rounds on March 16. Police said Boyd had threatened to kill officers and held onto knives as an unarmed K-9 officer approached him.
A helmet camera video showed Boyd gathering his belongings then turning away right before officers fired following a long standoff where Boyd claimed he was a federal government agent.
The shooting came as the Albuquerque Police Department is the subject of a U.S. Justice Department investigation involving the use of force and three dozen officer shootings — 22 fatal — since 2010.
But most of the shootings weren’t caught on video because the department didn’t start requiring officers to wear lapel cameras until May 2012.
Videos of other police shootings have generated small protests, but the latest video footage has drawn fire from local and state elected officials and various civil rights groups.
A protest Tuesday evening in downtown Albuquerque drew dozens of residents from around the city and Santa Fe. Some chanted “We want justice,” while others held signs that read “APD is guilty.” The crowd was planning to march to Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza, which is close to police headquarters.
“I think the helmet cam has a lot to do with it,” said Hans Erickson, vice chair of the task force. “It’s so important for us to have as much information on these kinds of shootings as we can.”
Erickson said the footage allows the public to see what happened without having to rely solely on accounts of police and witnesses.
The shooting even gained the attention of New Mexico Senate Democrats, who said Albuquerque police officers needed better training.
“It’s shameful that we are not better preparing these officers to handle all situations that come their way,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen. “Unfortunately, it is at the expense of precious lives.”
Police said the Boyd shooting is being investigated by five outside agencies. Berry announced Monday he asked Las Cruces police to join the investigation and told Justice Department officials they were free to review any files on Boyd’s death.
“The problem is, yes, we need an independent investigation in this incident. But there have been over 20 other incidents,” said Alan Wagman, a member of the task force and a criminal defense attorney.
The Police Oversight Task Force was created by the Albuquerque City Council to help review the police oversight process. Their list of recommendations, including allowing a commission to give policy recommendations directly to the police chief, is scheduled to go before city councilors, said chair Andrew Lipman.
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Anyone camping in the Abq foothills would have enough challenges with coyotes, mountain lions or snakes, they would not be there as a logical option.
Years ago there was a facility in NM call the farm. It was a perfect place for guys like Mr. Boyd, who were basically homeless and/or alcoholic. The men were usually arrested by an understanding boy-in-blue (remember those?) who was probably familiar with the fellow and his problems and sentenced to the farm for however long the judge deemed appropriate. The farm was just that: the inmates grew things to eat, cooked them and ate them. They had responsibilities, structure and a community. It worked, and from what I have heard, the guys were pretty comfortable with it. Unfortunately, the place was closed and prisons-for-profit now prevail (if the offender gets that far).
Seems like so many LEOs are trained to be terrified, have no social skills nor compassion. Time for that to change back to what worked (and that goes for schools too).
“Speaking a day after Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry called video of the shooting “horrific,” Police Oversight Task Force members said a new investigation was needed to examine the death of James Boyd.”
If it was so horrific and if the mayor REALLY cared, he’d fire and arrest the entire department and chief of police on the spot and get a whole new police department. But he won’t because he is just another petty politician who doesn’t give a shit about anyone but himself. He’ll talk about it and nothing will get done just like every other issue. After all, that’s the Communist way for them. Hang ’em all for murder and treason!
I watched that video of the police shooting the homeless man.The police executed him for no apparent reason.I think they wanted to shoot him for the fun of it.Yelling at him like he was still alive,and they new he was already dead.It looked like a thrill killing to me.I would have to tell anyone who’s thinking of going anywhere near Albuquerque,to watch this video very carefully before going there.It appears that cities are hiring straight up murderers and thrill killers now.All i can say is watch your back.