"I don't think the National Guard is necessary. That's my opinion," Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said.He's responding to the National Guard coming to Albuquerque to assist with public safety matters and doesn't see the benefit in the action. He says he appreciates the move to do something to address crime in the city but is concerned this may be more of a liability. "There's a lot of questions," Allen said. "What's laid out? What are they doing specifically?"Mayor Tim Keller outlined what the National Guard would be helping out with. "What they're going to be doing is things like some traffic control around accident scenes," Keller said. "They're going to be helping secure facilities. They're going to be monitoring some of our buses. They're probably going to be helping at the Sunport. They will be providing humanitarian assistance, assisting with prisoner transport, and supporting the courts. And they can be working all over the city."A spokesperson for the National Guard says between 60 to 70 guardsmen are participating in these efforts. Spokesman Hank Minitrez said in a press release "Our assistance to APD will enable a larger, steady law enforcement presence that makes a lasting and positive difference in the community."Those who live in Albuquerque are split on this decision. "I think that it'll help in the long run, but on the flip side, why do we need help?" Linda Reil said.Linda Riel says she has personally found bullets on her property and has dealt with numerous issues near Montgomery Park. As a citizen, she hopes this will help. The National Guard has stated Guardsmen will not be armed for this support mission, or in military uniform. They'll wear civilian clothing that identifies them as National Guard members. Those like Riel are waiting to see how this action will pay off. "With the National Guard coming in, being present on the street, that may help," Reil said. "Bottom line is you shouldn't feel uncomfortable in your own city, walking around your own neighborhood."
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
"I don't think the National Guard is necessary. That's my opinion," Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said.
He's responding to the National Guard coming to Albuquerque to assist with public safety matters and doesn't see the benefit in the action. He says he appreciates the move to do something to address crime in the city but is concerned this may be more of a liability.
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"There's a lot of questions," Allen said. "What's laid out? What are they doing specifically?"
Mayor Tim Keller outlined what the National Guard would be helping out with.
"What they're going to be doing is things like some traffic control around accident scenes," Keller said. "They're going to be helping secure facilities. They're going to be monitoring some of our buses. They're probably going to be helping at the Sunport.
They will be providing humanitarian assistance, assisting with prisoner transport, and supporting
A spokesperson for the National Guard says between 60 to 70 guardsmen are participating in these efforts. Spokesman Hank Minitrez said in a press release "Our assistance to APD will enable a larger, steady law enforcement presence that makes a lasting and positive difference in the community."
Those who live in Albuquerque are split on this decision.
"I think that it'll help in the long run, but on the flip side, why do we need help?" Linda Reil said.
Linda Riel says she has personally found bullets on her property and has dealt with numerous issues near Montgomery Park. As a citizen, she hopes this will help.
The National Guard has stated Guardsmen will not be armed for this support mission, or in military uniform. They'll wear civilian clothing that identifies them as National Guard members. Those like Riel are waiting to see how this action will pay off.
"With the National Guard coming in, being present on the street, that may help," Reil said. "Bottom line is you shouldn't feel uncomfortable in your own city, walking around your own neighborhood."
