APD Use of Force within policy 95% of the time

March 1, 2023

ALBUQUERQUE – APD officers reached a key milestone in reform efforts as 95% of use-of-force incidents were within the department’s policy during the last six months.

APD officers were involved in 296 use-of-force incidents between Aug. 1, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023. Of those incidents, APD’s Internal Affairs Division determined that 15 were out of policy.

“This is an important milestone for the Albuquerque Police Department because it reflects the success across the department,” said Victor Valdez, Superintendent of Police Reform at APD.

APD is under a Court-Approved Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to change officers’ approach to using force during arrests. APD created the Office of the Superintendent of Police Reform and a new Compliance Bureau to oversee reform efforts and overhaul policies, training, force investigations and discipline.

“Now we’re seeing the results from officers who are responsible for meeting the high standards that are expected of them,” Chief Medina said. “In reality, force is rarely used and when it is necessary, officers are making good decisions based on training and sound judgment.”

Mayor Tim Keller said continued improvement in reaching use-of-force goals is further proof that APD is closer to ending the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

“We have invested heavily in reform and the time is right to plan for the end of the settlement agreement,” Mayor Keller said. “It’s time for APD to build on these successes and shift to a new phase of policing in Albuquerque where APD is accountable to the people, and not to federal monitors.”