More steps to revamp APD

KRQE TV

Updated: Jan 28, 2013 8:19 AM

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) — In November federal authorities announced they launched an investigation in the Albuquerque Police Department following after a string of officer involved shootings and charges of abuse and misconduct. Now two city councilors have their own plans to restore faith in the department, but they're doing it by going after the commission that polices the police.

City councilors Dan Lewis and Don Harris are proposing legislation to revamp the Police Oversight Commission and they're asking for the community's help to make it happen.

"We're turning the page," said Council President Dan Lewis. "It's a new chapter in the Albuquerque Police Department. One that will restore faith and confidence in the public."

With more than two dozen officer involved shootings since 2010, at least 17 of them fatal, allegations of abuse and now federal investigation, city councilors say the public's confidence is at an all time low. That's why they asked for a recent, independent investigation .

The report reviewed the Police Oversight Commission. The POC is appointed by the city council and approved by the mayor. Their job is to independently watch over APD closely.

"We understand there's a lot of issues and a lot of things have come up over the last few years," Lewis said. "We realize we're not addressing all the issues in this, but we're addressing some very important parts of it."

The fixes include providing the commission with more data about cases and trends within the department. Hopefully helping them to spot problems before they happen.

The report also recommends creating a separate position for an analyst to track every complaint that comes in and follow up on the remedies handed out.

The proposal is not final yet, though. Next councilors want to hear from residents.

The proposal will be introduced at the next city council meeting. Then there will be a series of public comment periods. Those have yet to be scheduled.

 

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