Proper Vetting of Law Enforcement Officers | The Line

October 4, 2019 – New questions have surfaced surrounding a former Rio Arriba County sheriff’s deputy caught on camera using a Taser on a 15-year-old high school student with special needs. Jeremy Barnes has since been fired from his position with the sheriff’s office. But as it turns out, he has a history of disciplinary concerns from four previous law enforcement jobs and two prior arrests. Host Gene Grant and The Line opinion panelists talk about whether law enforcement agencies across the state are doing enough to vet their employees, and how we make sure only qualified men and women are carrying a gun and a badge.

Line Panelists:
Eric Griego, former NM state senator
Mary Hudetz, reporter, Associated Press
Serge Martinez, professor, UNM School of Law
Rachel Sams, editor, Albuquerque Business First

For Further Reading:
Deputy Fired, Charged for Tasing Student – Rio Grande Sun

Deputy Charged With Using a Taser on High School Student Had Been Fired Twice Before – KOAT-TV