FBI doing important work

RECENTLY, SOME of our elected representatives in Washington have taken the opportunity to criticize both the actions of the FBI and the professionalism of the members of the FBI. As alumni of the Albuquerque FBI Citizens Academy, we take exception to both characterizations. The FBI Citizens Academy alumni association is made up of a diverse community of men and women, liberals and conservatives, from every ethnic and religious community in our state. None of our members are members of the FBI retiree association or the FBI National Academy Alumni association. Our ongoing work with the FBI through the FBI charitable works in our community is absolutely non-partisan, and our experience working with the Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI has been nothing short of outstanding.

For a number of very clear legal and professional reasons, we have no insight into the specifics of our FBI colleagues’ day-to-day operations. That said, we can say without question that our FBI colleagues in New Mexico work hard every day to protect us against violent criminals. They conduct investigations that result in prosecution of violent bank robbers, human traffickers, cybercriminals and individuals who prey on children. They are the federal officers who conduct investigations focused on civil rights violations, political corruption in our state and identifying and disrupting terrorist and foreign intelligence threats to our state and nation. The FBI team in Albuquerque and the resident agencies throughout the state are made up of dedicated men and women focused on one mission — keeping us safe. For this reason, we are disappointed that some political figures in Washington have decided to paint with a broad brush in their criticism of the FBI. These criticisms do not reflect any facts that we see on the ground in New Mexico. ADELICIA GUNN PRESIDENT, FBI ABQ Citizens Academy Board of Directors

Letter policy

The Albuquerque Journal welcomes letters expressing opinions on news and commentary that have been published in the newspaper. All submissions accepted for publication are subject to editing for length and clarity and may appear in print or electronic form, including on the Journal’s Internet website and in its searchable archives and databases. SUBMIT ONLINE THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using your Internet browser (not email) at http://www.abqjournal.com/letters OR VIA THE POST OFFICE: Letters to the Journal; P.O. Drawer J; Albuquerque, NM 87103.