Embattled Albuquerque, NM, police chief to retire


March 15, 2013 at 4:57p.m.

Embattled Albuquerque, NM, police chief to retire

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The head of Albuquerque’s troubled police department says he’ll retire later this year.

Mayor Richard Berry’s office released a letter from Police Chief Ray Schultz today in which the chief says he’s ready to go forward with the next chapter of his life and will step down during the summer or fall.

The announcement comes amid a federal investigation of the department that was spurred by protests, lawsuits and demands from civil rights advocates for an agency overhaul.

The city has had 18 fatal officer-involved shootings since 2010 and has been plagued by a number of high-profile cases alleging excessive force by officers, including some caught on video.

City Council President Dan Lewis said this week a change was needed and that the department’s reputation had been tarnished.