APD in compliance with nearly all of DOJ Settlement Agreement
The Albuquerque Police Department reached 94% operational compliance of its settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
“We wanted real reform, right reform, but the Albuquerque way; the way that works best for our community and officers,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Now we have a much more active dialogue with the DOJ and the monitor about what is best for Albuquerque and we are seeing the process bear fruit.”
APD Chief Harold Medina said the department is already working on the three remaining issues that need to be resolved, which involve investigations into use of force and misconduct.
“The measurement that is not highlighted in the report is the increase in our officer’s productivity,” said Chief Harold Medina. “We wanted to beat the idea that you could not have reform and a safe city and I believe the Albuquerque Police Department is showing that you can have both.”
The independent monitor overseeing APD’s reform efforts released its 18th report today. Aside from the final APD issues that are being resolved, the City Council must meet requirements in the agreement related to civilian police oversight. Mayor Keller emphasized that the City Administration is prepared to assist the City Council to meet the requirements.
APD achieved 100% primary compliance and 99% secondary compliance, which reflect new policies and training based on those policies. APD increased its operational compliance from 92% to 94% since the last monitoring period, which means the department is successfully applying the new policies and training to a vast majority of day-to-day operations.
The 18th report covers the period between March and July 2023.
U.S. District Court Judge James O. Browning is expected to hold a public hearing on the report in December or January.