Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA)

History 

The Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA) was established in 2014 after the City of Albuquerque amended its Oversight Ordinance to meet the objectives of the Court Approved Settlement Agreement (CASA). As a result, the new Oversight Ordinance replaced the former Police Oversight Commission (POC) with the new Police Oversight Board (POB) and the former Independent Review Office (IRO) with the new Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA).

Per the Oversight Ordinance, the CPOA is an independent agency of the City of Albuquerque, distinct from City government, City Council, and the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). The CPOA consists of an Administrative Office, led by the Executive Director, and the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board (CPOAB). 

Mission

The CPOA is charged with fairly and impartially reviewing and investigating complaints and commendations from community members concerning APD personnel. The Civilian Police Oversight Agency also reviews APD policies, practices, and procedures and makes policy recommendations to APD, City Council, and the Mayor's Office.

Organizational Structure

The CPOA is made up of an Executive Director and a Deputy Director, investigators, analysts, a liaison and administrative staff.