Reynaldo Chavez: New Mexico: White Elephant Case? The Alburquerque Police Department (APD0 is investigating allegations that officers were erasing or altering lapel camera videos," The Journal reports..." City Attorney Jessica Hernandez and Police Chief Gorden Eden told city councilors late Monday that they will get in touch with federal prosecutors today and cooperate if necessary. But they’re also starting their own investigation, they said."..."The allegations – outlined in an affidavit by APD’s former records custodian, Reynaldo Chavez – shook City Hall as the Berry administration tries to build public confidence in the police department. A U.S. Department of Justice investigation in 2014 found that APD had a pattern of violating people’s rights through the use of force. “No matter how these allegations pan out,” said Councilor Pat Davis, a former police officer, “I think they have a big impact on public confidence and it also raises questions about APD’s process for evidence control.”

STORY: "APD investigating allegations of doctored videos," by reporter Dan McKay, published by The Journal; on November 21, 2016.

PHOTO CAPTION: "City Councilor Pat Davis, left, speaks with Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden on Monday before the council addressed allegations that officers were erasing or altering lapel camera videos."

GIST: "Albuquerque police are investigating allegations that members of the department improperly erased, altered or corrupted video footage taken by the lapel cameras worn by officers, top executives under Mayor Richard Berry say. City Attorney Jessica Hernandez and Police Chief Gorden Eden told city councilors late Monday that they will get in touch with federal prosecutors today and cooperate if necessary. But they’re also starting their own investigation, they said. The allegations – outlined in an affidavit by APD’s former records custodian, Reynaldo Chavez – shook City Hall as the Berry administration tries to build public confidence in the police department. A U.S. Department of Justice investigation in 2014 found that APD had a pattern of violating people’s rights through the use of force. “No matter how these allegations pan out,” said Councilor Pat Davis, a former police officer, “I think they have a big impact on public confidence and it also raises questions about APD’s process for evidence control.” Hernandez and Eden assured councilors Monday that the original footage taken by officers’ body-worn cameras is retained by their record-keeping system, even if someone tries to redact material.".........Hernandez said the computer system tracks all changes to the video, creating an audit trail that can be checked afterward. “There has not been any evidence so far to substantiate these allegations,” she said, but the matter is still under investigation."

The entire story can be found at:

https://www.abqjournal.com/893929/apd-investigating-allegations-of-doctored-lapel-camera-video.html

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith. Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at: http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com. Harold Levy; Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.