Latest news with #staffingShortage
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Defunded DA hangs onto control of office for now
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — The state of New Mexico recently defunded a district attorney, saying she couldn't keep or hire staff because of her incompetence. The state now has a plan to fix the McKinley County District Attorney's Office operations, but the DA isn't allowing that to happen quite yet. San Juan County District Attorney Jack Fortner has tried email, phone calls, and even a mediation hosted by the Governor's Office to get McKinley County District Attorney Bernadine Martin to meet with him in person. Now out of time, he showed up at her office at 9 a.m. on Tuesday – the day the fiscal year began. The state legislature had put Fortner in control of the McKinley County DA Office's budget. 'It's on her': Senator defunds DA citing attitude, staff shortage When Fortner asked if Martin was available to speak, he was surprised to find she was. Martin let Fortner in, along with his staff – an HR employee and office manager who were ready to begin onboarding the staff under his payroll. Plus, attorneys prepared to help with her county's caseload. But then, Martin closed the door. The state defunded Martin's office after years of complaints from the community and police. She should have eight assistant prosecutors, but for more than six months, she's had zero. As we shared in a KRQE investigation Monday night, the sheriff says this staffing shortage has led to criminals not being held accountable. On top of that, KRQE News 13 is told Martin has created a hostile work environment. After their meeting, KRQE asked the DA again if she would talk with us. She said no, saying she had just met with Fortner. Their meeting lasted about half an hour. Fortner said he 'was not expecting her to co-operate,' but found Martin was very cooperative, and that they had a good discussion. But she won't let him have any say in her office's operation just yet. Fortner says Martin asked him to hold off for at least two more weeks, as she'd like to hear from the New Mexico Supreme Court first. Just last month, Martin petitioned the justices to weigh in on whether the legislature and governor have the right to defund her'DA Martin assured me that she has legal coverage for two weeks,' said Fortner. 'She has funds for her staff for two weeks. And so I said, 'as soon as you need us, we're here.'' Still, it remains unclear if the court will hand down a decision that soon. Fortner says that 'it's her office, and I can't intrude without her cooperation.' They agreed to talk in a week, and see what happens. Now, Martin could be removed before then. The governor asked the attorney general to investigate whether Martin's conduct amounts to gross incompetence. Letter from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to Attorney General Raúl Torrez Letter to District Attorney Bernadine Martin Response from Attorney General Raúl Torrez New Mexico Department of Justice spokesperson Lauren Rodriguez released the following statement: 'We are actively investigating whether District Attorney Bernadine Martin's conduct meets the legal standard of gross incompetence, as outlined in state statute, which is necessary to pursue her removal from elected office. As with any investigation, she is entitled to due process, and we remain committed to upholding the rule of law.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
12-06-2025
- CBS News
West Wildwood police getting help from neighboring New Jersey departments amid staff shortage
Multiple South Jersey police departments are providing support services to West Wildwood as the town deals with a staffing shortage among its own force. Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland said he asked the Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest departments to "provide necessary manpower and resources" to keep police services in West Wildwood running, and that all agreed to help. "Their commitment to public service and regional cooperation is a reflection of the strong law enforcement community we have in Cape May County," Sutherland said in a statement. The temporary measure comes after West Wildwood made significant staffing changes to its police force back in January. Since then, the department became the subject of a review by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. In a report published earlier this month, the NJSACOP said there is "a complete lack of leadership" in the Borough of West Wildwood Police Department, the force's Internal Affairs is "essentially non-existent," training is lacking among officers and high police officer turnover is contributing to the agency's instability. The report made several recommendations about how the borough could move forward. One option would see West Wildwood invest in recruitment and retention to maintain an independent force. Other options include: Entering into a shared service agreement where West Wildwood shares a police chief with another municipality Entering a shared service agreement with another town to supply partial police services at night Disbanding the West Wildwood Police Department and entering into a contract with another jurisdiction The NJSACOP said it recommends disbanding the force altogether. "Our review demonstrates that geographically and financially this would be the best option. We also believe it would provide uninterrupted services to the Borough and its residents," the report said. "NJSACOP also believes it will provide a better service due to officer availability and enhanced patrol and investigative resources." According to the report, the 2020 Census counted approximately 540 residents in West Wildwood, though the population swells to about 5,000 during the summer season. As recently as April 28, 2025, the town's police department had just four full-time officers and one Special Law Enforcement Class II officer on its staff. In January, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office assigned Detective Mark Weeks to temporarily oversee the day-to-day operations of the department prior to the departure of Chief Jacquelyn Ferentz.
