David Roybal

Chief of Police, the Career of Richard Cdebaca During Extraordinary Times in New Mexico, 1956-1994 David Roybal

Richard CdeBaca's tenure as chief of the New Mexico State Police was a brief and controversial end to a long, productive career. Notes recorded by CdeBaca during decades as a state policeman reflect dramatic changes in how governors, legislatures, the courts, prisons and the press changed within an evolving society. It wasn't always tidy. CdeBaca remains an ardent supporter of police, but author David Roybal prods the long-time cop into telling concessions. Civil rights, as they are defined today, did not get in the way of daily patrols. CdeBaca acknowledges that State Police at times were poorly prepared for events and transformations, like the influx of hippies and the drug culture that followed them. On multiple issues, CdeBaca offers information that went beyond the headlines that weave through this book.