Data. That's the buzzword that gets a heavy workout from the powers-that-be when it comes to solving the crime epidemic. Just give us more data, they pine, and we will secure the city. But there's a problem. The city can't even agree on simple data that tracks how APD is spending its time:

In a KOAT report from August, a city councilor said there are 61 officers assigned to work in APD's compliance division as part of the deal with the Department of Justice, and many of those officers are assigned to investigate other officers, instead of working out on the streets. A department spokesman disputes that. He maintains there are actually 32 officers in that unit.

So what's the truth? Guess we need more data, except if you're former APD Chief Joe Polisar:

At some point, with all the discussions, someone has to raise their hand and call bullshit!

Then there's the data--or we should say contention--that the local judges are flooding the streets with repeat violent criminals because of that constitutional amendment guiding the conditions of their release. BernCo District Attorney Raul Torrez and others have pointed their fingers long and hard at that one. But look at this:

The study. . . done by University of New Mexico’s Institute of Social Research. . . found that the overwhelming majority of people charged with felonies then released by a judge not only showed up for court, but they didn't commit any new crimes between the time they were released and their court date. . 

Of the close to 64,000 felony cases researchers looked at, more than 250 of the people were accused of new crimes after being released. The majority of those new charges were misdemeanors or lesser felonies. 

It would seem the DA and the politicos may have to find a better excuse for why the bad guys are marauding though the Duke City.

DATA DOUBTERS

One of our Senior Alligators echoes the thoughts of the data doubters:

Here's an innovative approach: aggressively hunt down people who shoot and kill other people and lock them up - instead of all this "root causes/we need more data" nonsense. Maybe arrest a Cartel member occasionally to send a real message to the gangs. Why is there this looney left aversion to simply being tough on crime and meaning it? And can we please stop this nonsense of whining about needing more money to hire more people who are going to sit safely behind some desk looking at "data" rather than more boots on the ground out fighting crime?

Former BernCo Deputy District Attorney and City Councilor Pete Dinelli is also from the "hunt down" school of law enforcement, a view not shared by Mayor Keller and APD Chief Geier:

What it takes to bring crime down  are very aggressive tactical plans targeting violent repeat offenders, gangs, drug dealers, and repeat property crime offenders. If the Keller APD command staff he handpicked is not getting the job done, personnel changes are in order. . .  and another reorganization of the department. What is becoming increasingly concerning for voters is that all the increases in APD budget, personnel and programs are not having any effect on bringing down the violent crime and murder rates. It is no longer an issue of not having the money, personnel nor resources but a failed management issue. 

Here is Mayor Keller's latest crime initiative as announced last Friday, the Violence Intervention Plan.

INK STAINED OPTIMISTS

The newspaper is decidedly not in the "aggressive plans" camp. In fact, it has thrown in the towel on any quick fixes for the soaring violent crime. Like Mayor Keller and BernCo DA Torrez, the ink stained wretches want more data to determine the best course of action:

Fortunately, local law enforcement and prosecutors are doubling down on 21st Century tools – data analysis, social media, etc. – to make quicker and smarter decisions. 

Well, that's more of an alibi than an editorial but it's understandable as the economic underpinnings of the metro become increasingly shaky, with businesses shying away from coming here and many of those here looking for an exit strategy.

Still, if those who believe ABQ is worth fighting for are going to come out on the winning side, reality-based accountability and honesty in what we face is essential.

WHILE WE WAIT

While we wait for the data to pour in, reader Arcy Baca says do this:

Joe, the state police should have 50 to 100 more officers in Albuquerque. The Legislature needs to approve this funding. Also place 25 or more detectives from state police to help fight drug, robbery, and other felony crimes. Until Albuquerque brings its crime rate down our economy will not move forward.

Sure, Arcy, but do you have the data to back that up?

Say anything you like about how to solve the city crime dilemma, just don't say you think we should copy Texas. We found that out when we ran a rant on crime from pro-Texas reader Dave. Here come the retorts, starting with a self-described "Westside Gator":

Sickening, partisan and unacceptable are certainly accurate terms to describe Attorney General Bill Barr and his history. (Barr recently visited ABQ and decried the high crime rate.) Crimes and hurtful behaviors committed by the right kind of people get a wide pass from these law and order types. By all means let's give more "resources" to the likes of  "we don't need no stinking cameras Sheriff Manny Gonzales." Living with crime is horrible and so is living with unrestrained law enforcement.

Reader Alan Porter chimes in:

I'm not trying to start a debate with the reader "Dave" that you included in your blog. However, I think Dave has conveniently forgotten about the mass shootings that have occurred in Texas over the past few years. Is that part of the success the red state of Texas has had in fighting violent crime?

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2019