FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Contact: Curtison Badonie | [email protected]

CSVANW Demands Immediate Action Following Disgraceful, Racist Remarks by Albuquerque Police Officers

Albuquerque, NM – The Coalition To Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) issued the following statement after news coverage uncovered footage and audio of racist remarks by Albuquerque Police Officers who were involved in a high-stakes arrest, on April 11, 2024, that ended tragically when a suspect was killed:

“CSVANW) is outraged and appalled by the recent revelations of deeply racist and dehumanizing language used by Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers. The body camera footage, which exposed officers referring to Native Americans with abhorrent terms such as “savages,” underscores a pervasive and dangerous culture of discrimination that fundamentally undermines efforts to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) crisis.

“These vile remarks are not isolated incidents but are emblematic of the systemic failures within law enforcement that devalue and dismiss the lives of Indigenous people. Such derogatory attitudes directly contribute to the inadequacies in solving and preventing cases of violence against Indigenous communities.

“CSVANW is issuing an urgent and unequivocal call for the following actions:

1. Unconditional Apology: We demand an immediate, public, and unreserved apology from the Albuquerque Police Department to the Indigenous communities. This apology must go beyond words and include a firm commitment to addressing the toxic culture and prejudices revealed in the footage.
2. Comprehensive Action Plan: Chief of Police Medina, despite his previous commitments, must now present a detailed, actionable plan addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. This plan must include rigorous cultural competency training, community engagement strategies, and concrete measures for accountability to eradicate such deeply ingrained biases.
3. Systemic Overhaul: This incident starkly reveals the urgent need for systemic reform within law enforcement agencies. We demand a thorough, transparent review of APD’s policies and practices to root out discriminatory attitudes and ensure that all Indigenous people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. This is a call for a fundamental shift in how law enforcement engages with and serves Indigenous communities.

“CSVANW stands resolute in its commitment to fighting for justice and safety for Indigenous people. We call upon all public officials, community leaders, and stakeholders to join us in demanding these critical changes. It is time for law enforcement to confront and rectify its deep-seated prejudices and to reaffirm its commitment to justice and equality.”

For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, please contact: [email protected]

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CSVANW is an award winning organization at the forefront to a dynamic approach to the tribal domestic and sexual violence fields that is demonstrating the most effective, creative and innovative ways to address and prevent the cycle of violence within tribal communities.