Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz Promotes Two Deputy Chiefs

ALBUQUERQUE, NM  - Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz shaped his new command staff Wednesday by promoting two new deputy chiefs.

The promotions of Allen Banks and Beth Paiz will change the look of Schultz's administration. Previously, APD had four deputy chiefs but three have since retired. Schultz used the opportunity to consolidate one of the bureaus giving him a command staff of three deputy chiefs.

In her new position, Paiz, who previously oversaw APD's Northeast Area Command, will command APD's investigations bureau. Banks, who was in charge of APD's special operations division, will be assigned to oversee the department's administrative functions.

Paiz will play a key role in developing Mayor Richard J. Berry's efforts to reduce property crime. She will ultimately oversee the detectives who investigate burglaries, auto thefts and robberies.

"Paiz and Banks are two rising stars in this department," said Schultz, who was recently reappointed by Berry. "They are both proven leaders and will serve this city well."

Paiz, a graduate of St. Pius X and New Mexico State University, joined APD in 1996. She has worked in white collar crimes, crimes against children and the Valley Area Command. For years she has been active as a volunteer for special needs children. She has one daughter who is blind. Paiz is also married to retired APD captain, Ron Paiz.

Banks, a graduate of Albuquerque High School, Wayland Baptist University and the FBI National Academy, joined the department in 1992. He has worked in internal affairs, the nuisance abatement unit and the field services bureau. Banks grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Albuquerque's South Valley and played basketball in order to avoid the influence of gangs. His brother, Willie, was a star basketball player at the University of New Mexico.

The promotions make APD history. Paiz is the second woman to reach the rank and Banks is the second African-American to be promoted to deputy chief.