Albuquerque’s Response to Protests

June 19, 2020 – The Line opinion panel returns to discuss the interview with Mayor Tim Keller, his response to violence and vandalism at protests, the interactions Albuquerque police have had with militia groups, and his plan to create a third city department that could respond to 911 calls without a police presence. The mayor’s proposal for a Community Safety Department would pull money from several other city agencies, using it to hire more social workers and other professionals to handle some calls in areas of the city that have long complained about overpolicing for people of color. 

Host/Correspondent: Gene Grant 

Line Panelists: 
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR 
Sophie Martin, attorney 
Kristelle Siarza, Siarza Social Digital 

For Further Reading: 
Albuquerque proposes new agency amid calls for police reform – Associated Press 
Amid calls to defund police, Albuquerque creates an alternative department –Washington Post