DOJ: APD on verge of 'new chapter of policing'

                               In a Friday news conference, U.S. Department of Justice officials declared the Albuquerque Police Department is about to enter a new chapter of policing.

For months APD brass and city leaders have been trying to hammer out a decree that would mean changes within the department, but one that would not compromise officer safety.

Both sides have come to such an agreement, and it could cost the city up to $6 million to implement the DOJ reforms in the first year.

DOJ officials spent the first several minutes of the conference crediting community input. They said they’ve interviewed about 700 residents.

DOJ officials said the agreement resolves their findings on APD’s use of excessive force. They said the agreement’s goal is to rebuild trust between police and the city’s residents, they said transparency throughout this process is critical.

DOJ officials detailed the following aspects of the agreement:

-Oversight of specialized units, such as those used for investigative functions involving special weapons

-The department’s repeat offender task force will be dismantled, and those officers will be assigned to other divisions (Keith Sandy was a part of that task force)

-Studying police staffing to ensure reforms are implemented

-Strengthening the behavioral health care system, with a goal of helping those who are homeless and/or suffering from a mental illness

Berry, during his statement, specifically cited that fourth bullet point. The DOJ’s probe came after police killed a homeless camper in the foothills earlier this year. That man had a history of mental illness.

“We have much more work to do,” said Mayor Richard Berry.

Berry will present the agreement to City Council next week, with the goal of signing the agreement no later than Nov. 10, according to DOJ officials. It will then be filed with U.S. District Court and then supervised by an independent monitor who, in turn, will be monitored by the court.

“The agreement is clearly written because it must endure,” said APD Chief Gorden Eden.

DOJ officials said they believe in the effectiveness of this agreement, as it has worked in similar situations in other cities.

“I believe we’re setting a new national standard in policing and police reform,” said Berry.

The DOJ came to Albuquerque two years ago after complaints of civil rights violations and multiple police shootings. The feds investigated and in April issued a blistering report, identifying eight problem areas within the police department.

Many within the law enforcement community said the report is filled with blatant errors.