Last week, Mayor Tim Keller announced that the city’s crime data system will be undergoing independent review.In July, the city released statistics that appeared to show significant drops in Albuquerque’s crime rate. But questions about those statistics’ veracity were raised in October, when an annual federal report contradicted them. It found that New Mexico had one of the highest crime rates in the country—and much of it came from Albuquerque.According to KOB, Keller held a conference last week to announce that the city is hiring independent researcher Peter Winograd—who helped redesign APD’s use of force policy—to analyze the system and make suggestions for improvement. “Dr. Winograd’s outside expertise will help ensure that the department fixes these longstanding problems,” Keller told reporters. Albuquerque Police Department Deputy Chief J. J. Griego said, “We are investing in modern technology while also making sure that we are getting the basic nuts and bolts of records processing right, and this independent review will bring additional accountability.”
Newscity: Nm Considers Universal Health Coverage
Lawmakers have hired a team of consultants to examine the possibility of implementing near-universal health care coverage.According to KRQE, the Legislative Finance Committee awarded a contract for around $390,000 to Maryland-based KNG Health Consulting, IHS Markit of London and Albuquerque-based researcher Lee Reynis to study ways the state can provide near-universal health care coverage.A public meeting was held last week to collect public statements about the prospect. Reform advocacy group Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign said it wants a system that that shifts private insurance to a supplemental role, similar to Medicare.The Legislature has repeatedly stalled proposed bills that would provide universal or near-universal health care coverage, including one that would have opened the state’s Medicaid program up to paying customers who aren’t eligible for federal subsidies.Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration is reportedly working on its own separate efforts to extend affordable care to the uninsured population.
Newscity: Crashes Mar Art Service
Albuquerque Rapid Transit buses have been involved in a number of vehicle collisions since it began running just weeks ago.The Associated Press reports that in the first nine days of operation, ART buses were involved in five separate collisions. Authorities say most of the crashes have occurred because cars were attempting to make illegal left turns. One incident was caused when a driver over-corrected into the ART lane and struck a bus.Of the 20 buses in the fleet, two are out of service for repairs and a third was superficially scratched. Officials say at least 16 buses are needed to operate the route.Law enforcement officials say police officers will begin issuing citations to drivers operating in the bus lane starting in January. Drivers can be fined up to $80 for parking in the lanes and $160 for crossing or making illegal left turns across the lanes.
