APS Looks Into Forming Own Law Enforcement

From KOAT-TV.com - ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The discussion continues on whether the sheriff's department or the district should control Albuquerque Public School police. The deadline for APS to sign a new agreement with the sheriff's department was set Monday. APS officials said they have a few options they're looking into. They said they are asking the Bernalillo County sheriff for an extension, after the sheriff outlined changes in the amount of control he has over APS police. On Friday, APS asked for an extension to discuss their option of setting up its own force. "After discussions with Chief Schultz yesterday, it would be wise to ask for another extension," said APS superintendent Winston Brooks. Brooks said they are asking for more time to consider the sheriff's demand for more control over APS police. The sheriff said he doesn't want APS police investigating crimes at schools anymore, and that the Albuquerque Police Department or the Bernalilo County Sheriff's Office should do it. "There are a number of felonies that occur every year on our school property. I think what Chief Schultz is concerned with is that they don't have the staff to be able to investigate all those felonies," Brooks said. He said setting up their own force could actually work in the district's favor. "It may enable us to get grants that we're not currently able to get," Brooks said. Read more

APS Looks Into Forming Own Law Enforcement