APD Oversight, Taser International, Medicaid, Gov. Martinez’s Chief of Staff Credit Card Use

This week on NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, police oversight is the main topic, as advocates and officials debate what a new model of civilian oversight would look like in the wake of a Department of Justice investigation that found the Albuquerque Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of use of excessive force. NMiF Producer Megan Kamerick speaks with Richard Shine, one of three members of the Albuquerque Police Oversight Commission who resigned recently. NMiF Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks to members of the Albuquerque Police Oversight Taskforce, which earlier this year recommended creating a new civilian oversight agency, as well as the city’s Independent Review Officer who oversees the Police Oversight Commission, and Shaun Willoughby, vice president of the Albuquerque Police Association.

The Line opinion panel looks at disturbing revelations about the relationship between former Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz and Taser International. A series of KRQE stories has revealed questions about whether Schultz violated the city’s conflict of interest ordinance in his dealings with Taser, which landed a $1.95 million contract with the city and where Schultz currently serves as a consultant. A city councilor is calling for an investigation by the city’s inspector general’s office.

The Line also discusses a state decision to hire two doctors with troubled pasts, despite the fact that they were banned from billing Medicaid services and had histories of acquiring prescription drugs through misrepresentation or fraud. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the state sought waivers to allow the doctors to bill Medicaid because state officials said they were the sole medical providers in rural areas.

The panel will also delve into topics in the On the Clock segment that include the state’s expensive in-house parole program, the use of a government credit card for thousands of personal purchases by Gov. Martinez’s chief of staff, and two ride-sharing companies that are interested in expanding to the state.

GUESTS:
Robin Hammer, Independent Review Officer, City of Albuquerque
Richard Shine, Former APD Police Oversight Commissioner
Peter Simonson, ACLU of New Mexico and Police Oversight Taskforce
Alan Wagman, Police Oversight Taskforce
Shaun Willoughby, Albuquerque Police Association

LINE PANELISTS:
Dan Foley, Former House Minority Whip
Sophie Martin, Attorney
Rob Nikolewski, New Mexico Watchdog/Capitol Report New Mexico

GUEST LINE PANELISTS
Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, Executive Director, Enlace Comunitario

CORRESPONDENT:
Gwyneth Doland, NMiF Correspondent
Megan Kamerick, NMiF Producer

HOST/COMMENTATOR: Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Megan Kamerick. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.

Episode 744 for air May 2, 2014