The Honorable Members of the New Mexico Supreme Court,

We, the undersigned citizens of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico, consider the practices of the State’s judiciary system to be an abject failure. We believe that the abysmal crime rates and attendant loss of life and property as reflected in national statistics are largely the result of the “catch and release” policies of the judiciary. It is widely known that judges have released dangerous criminals on their own recognizance or with minimum bail in spite of prosecutorial objections and criminal histories and that these criminals have gone on to commit serious crimes. Thus, we have lost confidence in the ability of civil officials to protect our lives and property.

We recognize that the law enforcement agencies of the city and state are rightfully demoralized with the attendant risks to public safety. It is patently outrageous to risk police lives when criminals are back on the street the next day. We welcome the addition of more police to the city however we believe that this is only a partial solution. More criminal arrests are indeed welcome as well but unless we remedy the root cause of the problem they will be out on the street the next day.

We believe that these judges are not above the law and are complicit in the consequences of these unjustified releases. It is also apparent to us that these practices and the sentiments of the legislature at large have created an impression that the welfare of criminals is more important than the victims and public safety.

Therefore We Demand:

An immediate investigation and subsequent eviction from the bench of any judge whose release actions have resulted in loss of life, serious injury or damages to property.

The immediate rescission of any judicial policies, guidance or legislation that enables unjustified releases

Immediate legislative action prohibiting the release of suspects with any violent history irrespective of circumstances;

Immediate judicial respect for prosecutorial recommendations in release actions