Vaughn, New Mexico, has 500
residents, two schools and a few watering holes. But the town's only two police
officers both have criminal records and neither is allowed to carry a gun.
Vaughn Police Chief
Ernest "Chris" Armijo and officer Brian Bernal have both had run-ins
with the law despite being law enforcement officers.
Armijo lost his gun privileges
after he was arrested by the New Mexico State Police and indicted on delinquent
child support payments. He has two sons, ages 10 and 12.
"I was unable to make the
amount that was being required and I got behind. Its hard, because if you're
not making enough to do it then what do you do?" Armijo told KOB.
"It's something I didn't take care of and I know that I should have."
But Armijo is also being
investigated after witnesses accused him of improperly using a K-9 in the line
of duty and of abusing the dog. Armijo denies both accusations. He faces other
accusations of misconduct as well, including claims that he sold an assault
rifle to another officer.
In January 2011, Bernal plead
guilty to charges of assault and battery. KOB also notes he has not attended
the state's law enforcement academy, meaning he is not even a certified cop.
Armijo says neither he nor
Bernal needs guns to handle the jobs they have.
"We have tasers, batons,
mace … stuff like that," Armijo said. "This isn't a TV show. This is
life. We don't run in everyday with a gun drawn. Life isn't in a pistol grip.
It's how you talk to people. I wasn't the type of person to go, 'I'm a cop now
give me my badge and my chip on my shoulder.' That's not me."