Chief Administrative Officer Sarita Nair Comments on Building Relationship Between Department of Justice and the Albuquerque Police Department

ALBUQUERQUE – Chief Administrative Officer Sarita Nair released the following statement in response to comments from U.S. District Judge Robert C. Brack about the city’s desire to move forward on the court-ordered settlement agreement with the Albuquerque Police Department. The Judge’s comments were made public today following a status conference regarding the settlement agreement.

“We appreciate the recognition by the Court of Mayor Keller’s focus on a more productive relationship with the Department of Justice and Court Monitor and our emphasis on community policing,” Chief Administrative Officer said. “The Mayor’s administration, including the new APD leadership, is committed to transparency and a more robust effort to work with all parties to the settlement agreement. The re-set of this relationship has officially begun, and we look forward to restoring the trust between the public and its police department.”

During the telephonic status conference, Judge Brack highlighted the Mayor’s public statements in support of working with the Department of Justice and the Court Monitor in the case.

“I appreciate the pronouncements that I've seen from Mayor Keller and the evidence of good faith and a really willingness to make this process work for the betterment of the City and the people of Albuquerque, as evidenced by the chief's appearance at the meeting of the Community Policing Council last night,” Judge Brack said during the hearing. “We're off to a great start.”