A new database helps track police officers in New Mexico who change jobs after misconduct, enhancing transparency for the public and journalists.
The National Police Index, created by a group of organizations, pulls together employment records from 26 states, including New Mexico. It tracks over 5,000 active officers, revealing that many have jumped between multiple jobs, sometimes after being fired.
While the database doesn’t list specific misconduct reports, it does show why officers left their previous positions. This is crucial because it helps people understand the history of officers they might encounter.
The New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification Board was set up to oversee police misconduct investigations, replacing a previous agency that faced criticism for its lack of transparency. However, there are still concerns about how effectively misconduct is reported and handled.
Community leaders, like Bobbie Green from the NAACP, express mixed feelings. She appreciates the new database but worries about the rights of officers and the loopholes that allow some to escape accountability.
Joshua Calder, the LECB’s CEO, acknowledges that some officers might resign to avoid consequences, but he insists that the system is designed to catch these cases. Advocates from the ACLU also stress the importance of having a comprehensive database to ensure public safety and trust in law enforcement.
Overall, this new tool is a step in the right direction, but many believe there’s still more work to be done to ensure accountability and transparency in policing.
