APD, DOJ Formalize Agreement to Self-Monitor Nearly a Quarter of Oversight Requirements
Thurs. Sept. 15, 2022
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department and the U.S. Department of Justice reached a major milestone in the reform process. APD and DOJ formalized an agreement to self-assess compliance in nearly a quarter of the oversight requirements that have guided reform for seven years.
APD and the DOJ agreed to suspend several paragraphs of the Court Approved Settlement Agreement based on APD’s sustained operational compliance.
“I am pleased we have finally found a light at the end of the tunnel in the reform process,” said Chief Harold Medina. “We overcame many challenges to get to this point. I appreciate the acknowledgement from the DOJ of our progress and our commitment to reform at APD.”
APD will continue to analyze and publicly report on compliance every six months and has maintained operational compliance in the following areas:
- Multi-Agency Task Force
- Specialized Units
- Behavioral Sciences Section
- Field Training and Evaluation Program
- Public Information on Civilian Complaints
- Staffing
- Recruitment and Hiring
- Performance Evaluations and Promotions
- Officer Assistance and Support
“This agreement marks a huge milestone for our police department and our city and should be noticed as a significant accomplishment in the reform process,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “As this process has not been easy for our officers, we did not give up on getting through the challenges, and have done so in a way that is sustainable for our police department and its dedicated staff.”
Mayor Keller recently appointed Retired Judge Victor E. Valdez as the Superintendent of Reform for APD. Retired Judge Valdez will work to establish a system of self-monitoring for APD, which will be a sustainable system of transparent police accountability.
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