Albuquerque City Leaders: New Mexico at a tipping point with crime crisis
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
At a news conference Friday, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said crime must be a top priority for lawmakers. Keller said it isn't only hurting Albuquerque, but the entire state.
"Crime is up in 20 counties around the state so we do believe this is a statewide issue," Keller said.
The city is showing its wish list to state lawmakers. It includes tougher penalties for crimes with guns, police officer retention and recruitment, criminalizing chop shops and keeping people suspected of violent crimes behind bars. The legislative session is only 30 days. Mayor Tim Keller says if lawmakers can't pass crime legislation, he wants a special session called to address the crime crisis.
"There are some people who need to remain in jail," APD Police Chief Harold Medina said.
The chief talked about Andrew Orosco.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff Department says deputies, along with the DEA, and Albuquerque police arrested Orosco on Jan. 19.
The sheriff's department said it found fentanyl, cocaine, crack, marijuana, more than $7,000 in cash, guns and a tactical vest. Orosco is a convicted felon and was released from jail one day later.
"That is why we need to change the direction our state is going in and draw a line in the sand," Medina said.
https://www.koat.com/article/abq-crime-mayor-keller-new-mexico-laws/38850004#
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