The Albuquerque Police Department has reached full compliance with reforms ordered by the U.S. Department of Justice, marking the potential end of nine years of court oversight. The assessment comes from a court-appointed independent monitor who has been overseeing compliance since 2015. The DOJ released findings of its investigation into the department in 2014, which brought attention to issues such as the use of force and officer-involved shootings. However, in the past nine years, significant progress has been made, with all officers now equipped with body-worn cameras, increased crisis intervention training, and the establishment of a new policing reform office. The city and police department will have a two-year period to demonstrate their ability to sustain the mandated reforms.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller expressed pride in the progress made, stating that the road to compliance has not been easy but they never gave up on the belief that real reform was possible. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico emphasized the importance of continued vigilance by the police department to ensure the protection of community members’ rights and safety. Moving forward, the city and police chief Harold Medina plan to hold a news conference to discuss the DOJ settlement agreement and outline the next steps for reform. The department will now be responsible for monitoring itself, as long as it maintains compliance with the requirements set forth in the agreement.
The agreement between the city of Albuquerque and the DOJ signifies a turning point in the efforts to reform the police department and improve community relations. With all officers now equipped with body-worn cameras and additional crisis intervention training, the department has made significant strides toward meeting the requirements of the decree. The two-year period will be crucial in demonstrating the department’s ability to sustain these reforms and uphold the standards set by the agreement. Mayor Keller and Police Chief Medina’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be essential in ensuring the continued progress of the department.
Despite the challenges faced along the way, the Albuquerque Police Department’s achievement of full compliance with the DOJ reforms is a significant milestone in the path toward reform and accountability. The city’s dedication to reform and the support of organizations like the ACLU of New Mexico have been instrumental in driving this progress. As the department enters this new phase of self-monitoring, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum of reform and upholding the rights and safety of the community. The next steps for the city and police department will be outlined in an upcoming news conference, where they will address the details of the settlement agreement and their plans for continued reform.
The completion of the DOJ reforms marks a new beginning for the Albuquerque Police Department as they work towards building trust and improving relationships with the community. The department’s commitment to compliance and accountability will be essential in ensuring the sustainability of the reforms and in safeguarding the rights of community members. With a renewed focus on transparency and reform, the city of Albuquerque is poised to move forward in a positive direction, guided by the principles of justice and equity. As they continue to implement the reforms outlined in the agreement, the department will need to remain vigilant in upholding the standards set forth by the DOJ and in prioritizing the safety and well-being of all community members.
