BBC Newshour 7:00am - 8:00am

Listen Live

Search

School Resource Officer Resigns after Use of Force against Student

Monday, October 21, 2019 at 10:54 AM

A sergeant with FPD’s Professional Standards Division was viewing Officer Zach Christensen’s lapel camera video footage as part of a routine internal review process. He saw what he believed to be a use of force violation against an 11-year-old female student and opened an internal affairs investigation.

From: Farmington Police Department

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Farmington Police Department today announces a school resource officer is no longer employed with the department following an investigation into a use of force incident at Mesa View Middle School. The incident took place on August 27, 2019 when school officials requested Officer Zach Christensen assist them in addressing a disruptive student. Christensen was the school resource officer assigned to Mesa View Middle School. A sergeant with FPD’s Professional Standards Division was viewing Christensen’s lapel camera video footage as part of a routine internal review process. He saw what he believed to be a use of force violation against an 11-year-old female student and opened an internal affairs investigation. Officer Christensen was immediately placed on administrative leave per FPD policy. Additionally, the case was referred to the New Mexico State Police for possible criminal charges.

Editor's note: Chief Hebbe appeared on KSJE on Monday, October 21, 2019 to discuss this incident:

Chief Steve Hebbe issued the following written statement regarding the incident and a more detailed video message to our community, “When we fall short of our expectations and standards, we hold ourselves accountable. Like many of you, I was shocked and angry when I watched this video.  We value our relationship with our community and will continue to work hard to maintain the public’s confidence in our department.”

Editors note:  Below is the entire Police lapel camera video released by the Farmington Police Department:

 

 

 

Share

More from Local News

  • Lauren Laws Named Interim Superintendent for Aztec Schools

    For 15 years, Lauren Laws has dedicated her career to Aztec Schools, beginning as a Special Education teacher in 2008. In 2010 she transitioned to General Education, where she spent six years in the classroom working with 4th and 5th graders at Park Avenue Elementary while completing work on her Master's Degree. During her tenure at Park Avenue Elementary, she also served a Lead Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Lauren has spent the past three years serving as the Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the district.

  • Durango Picks Brice Current to be New Police Chief

    Brice Current was a former narcotics agent with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in Aztec, NM. He was hired as Durango's Deputy Police Chief in 2019.

  • Farmington Schools Hires first Armed Campus Safety Monitor

     The FMS Board of Education authorized school security personnel to carry firearms on school premises during their January 9, 2024, meeting. The move paved the way for the hiring of Armed Campus Safety Monitors (ACSMs), former certified law enforcement officers tasked with providing an additional layer of protection for students and staff during emergencies.

  • Candidates Declare their Intent to Run in the June 4, 2024 Primary

    Some returning candidates and also some new names from Tuesday's filing day on March 12, 2024. These candidates have filed their notice to run in the June 4, 2024 Primary. Some candidates are unopposed. The winners in June will face off on November 5, 2024.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 77°F | Low: 46°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 70°F | Low: 36°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 82°F | Low: 46°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 79°F | Low: 41°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thunder storm

    High: 57°F | Low: 43°F