Albuquerque Public Schools police officers win right to carry guns on campus
Albuquerque Public Schools police officers have won their long-fought battle with the Albuquerque Board of Education, allowing the force to carry their guns on campus during school hours. After three hours of emotional testimony by police, parents, students, teachers, and community activists, the board voted 4-3 to endorse recommendations of its Community Safety Committee and the arming of the district's police officers around the clock. But board president Paula Maes says it will likely be months before officers see any changes in the district’s gun policy as they wait for advice from the New Mexico Attorney General's Office¯or word from the state legislature¯sanctioning a full-fledged school police department. Current policy prohibits officers from carrying their weapons during school hours. Their guns must be kept locked in the trunks of their patrol cars. Hiring for the police force has been at a standstill over the gun issue and low pay. The board's attorney Art Melendres said state law does not allow school districts to form their own police departments.
Board member Delores Griego, who voted against the new policy, says she feels the gun vote "may be the straw that breaks the camel's back," meaning the district could split over the issue. "It is an east and west split," she says, because the east side board members voted in a block against the West Side members. Until the new policy goes into effect, only the city police officer assigned to the school is armed. When that officer is absent, the school is not covered by an armed officer. "People get really emotional about this, but it's not a real change. We've had armed officers for 25 years," says Highland High School Principal Dennis. "But this vote tonight is a show of support for our (school) police officers." Opponents from the League of Young Voters and the SouthWest Organizing Project pleaded with the board for gun-free schools and more emphasis on violence prevention and intervention. The board is expecting an opinion from the Attorney General's Office this month.
Albuquerque Tribune By Susie Gran