Albuquerque –
On August 12th, 2024, after a public records request, ABQ RAW received detailed records of the cost of a 2024 Ford Expedition Timberline Edition and the associated upfitting (Police after market) costs. The records show that on April 5th, 2024, the Albuquerque Police Department initiated the need for a brand new replacement vehicle for the Chief. The process began with an interoffice memorandum and it stated that the departments Operations Review Division obtained a quote for one Ford Expedition SUV for a whopping $82,135.00. There was a separate quote for the upfitting of the Expedition to put police equipment into it for another $8,065.00. This put the grand total of the vehicle at $90,200.00. The taxpayer cash was quickly allocated for the 4X4 Special Edition Timberline Edition Ford Expedition. The City of Albuquerque did not have to pay taxes on the purchase and at least saved us all over $6,000.
The internal memo stated they needed a vehicle to transport numerous members of the Albuquerque Police Department to many department-related functions. It cited the partnerships with other police agencies and such events as the Legislative Session in Santa Fe, N.M.
On Monday, the Albuquerque City Council had a public meeting and District 8 City Councilor Dan Champine questioned Mayor Tim Keller’s administration about the luxury SUV.
“Why is the Chief able to purchase a $100,000 vehicle?“
Chief Administration Officer Dr. Samantha Sengel quickly responded to the big purchase by saying:
“The vehicles that we purchase, are based upon the need and the demand related to the positions, that we have. When we purchased, Chief Medina’s vehicle, it was based upon the available vehicles with four wheel drive,” said Dr. Sengel.
She went on to say that they had to replace the vehicle pretty quickly.
Our records and on site observations research indicate the crash with Chief Medina happened on February 17th, 2024. The memo requesting the 2024 Ford Expedition Timberline Edition sent out to APD Operations Review by Chief Medina’s Executive Officer, Commander Mike Hernandez was dated April 5th, 2024.
“It was not the most expensive vehicle. Not that that is the parameter that we should be setting, but, based upon conditions of which we want to ensure command staff and leadership are able to access any scene,” said Dr. Sengel.
The 2024 Expedition baseline version is only $52,450.00 which is a comparable spend for that type of vehicle. City of Albuquerque officials added an additional $29,685.00 of extras for Chief Medina’s ride. Dr. Sengel also defended the spending stating that was the only vehicle available on the lot that would satisfy the needs and safety of the police chief.
Councilor Champine then asked a rhetorical question, “So 4X4, tow package, a sunroof, a premium sound system, an aftermarket 4X4 tires. Is needed for a chief of police for a city?“
That was met with laughs from the public in attendance.
Dr. Sengel defended the luxurious choice SUV by saying it is similar to what police chiefs drive across the country. She doubled down saying it allows safety for our command staff.
ABQ RAW did some research on police chief vehicles in 4X4 territory and we did not find any police chief using the Ford Expedition Timberline version. What we did find is most use the baseline pickup truck packages of 4X4 vehicles from Ford, Dodge, and Chevy with modest upfitting from subcontractors.
Dr. Sengel then offered to meet with Counselor Champine out of public forum to go over the parameters of the use of fleet vehicles. This is a common tactic with the Keller administration to end questioning when they do not know the answers or do not want to be transparent in the public forums.
It looks like Chief Medina will be able to enjoy his new luxury ride while going to various on and off road events around the state. It is likely the 2024 Timberline will head to a public auction in 2029 and will then be able to be bid on by the public for $10,000 or less.
Medina is a brown noser that’s why..
The MEDIAN income in New Mexico is roughly $59,000.
Furthermore, New Mexico is consistently ranked as one of the most impoverished States in the U.S, with about 18% of our population living below the poverty line. To put this into perspective, a family of four earning less than $26,000 annually would be considered below the poverty line.
Also noteworthy, the percentage of New Mexicans living in poverty is nearly 40% higher than the national average.
All of this being said, why in the f**k is any government official in this State driving a vehicle worth as much as a high end model BMW, Mercedes, etc.? I am fed-up with tone deaf politicians, like those in the Keller administration, who are only interested in self enrichment at tax payer expense.
I don’t care what other Chiefs of Police are driving. Read the room.
As a way to compensate the tax payers, I suggest Medina drive around in his truck for the next year and scoop human fecal matter from the sidewalks and streets of Albuquerque. This should offset the $100k the City has already spent on the same project, while also enlightening Medina about the state of affairs beyond the ivory tower of City Hall.
It’s not their fault that New Mexico’s population is primarily comprised of lesser examples of the species. Some rooms just aren’t worthy of being read.
That said, I’m also fine if something… unfortunate were to happen to this vehicle, preferably with Medina inside. Bonus points for Mayor Timmy, too.
Sounds like what’s going on in the town of Dalton in the state of Illinois. The mayor and chief of police there are under investigation for wasting/stealing tax payer money. For those who aren’t aware of that situation I advise you all to look into it and compare.
Dr. Sengal said “ensure command staff and leadership are able to access any scene”.
This is the Albuquerque Police Department. Chief Medina’s jurisdiction does not extend outside the Albuquerque city limits. Where within the city limits of Albuquerque is four wheel drive required? Will Chief Medina be towing the crime scene trailer to the scene of crimes with the towing package? Perhaps with the premium sound system, Chief Medina can drive around and play soothing music to calm the public and lower crime.
Is this what the citizens of Albuquerque deserve? How about some accountability instead of rewards. If you’re tired of Mayor Keller protecting Medina then please sign and share this petition https://www.change.org/terminateharoldmedina