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Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board (CPOAB)

Information about CPOA Board members and meeting information.

CPOA Board Agenda & Meeting Minutes

Learn more about the CPOA Board Meetings and how the Board works together for the Community.

CPOA Board Agenda & Meeting Minutes

Learn more about the CPOA Board Meetings and how the Board works together for the Community.

Broadcast of the CPOA Board Meetings

The Board meetings are televised on GOV TV, the local government television channel for Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.

CPOA Board Meeting recordings are also posted on YouTube.

How to contact the CPOA Board Members

Contact any current member of the CPOA Board by sending an email to: [email protected]

The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board is a Five-Member board appointed by the City Council. Members will be appointed for three-year terms and are eligible for reappointment for an additional full term.

Current Board Member Profiles

CPOA Board Policies and Procedures - Coming soon!

Meeting Schedule

Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board Meeting Agenda & Minutes

2024

2024 CPOA Board Meeting Schedule

Civilian Police Oversight Agency Board Meeting Minutes

2023

2023 CPOA Board Meeting Schedule - Effective February 7, 2023 the Civilian Police Oversight Agency Board and Subcommittee Meetings were canceled due to the Police Oversight Ordinance Amendment

Civilian Police Oversight Agency Board Meeting Minutes

2022

2022 CPOA Board Meeting Schedule

 

Civilian Police Oversight Agency Board Meeting Minutes

2021

2021 CPOA Board Meeting Schedule

Civilian Police Oversight Agency Board Meeting Minutes

2020

 2020 CPOA Board Meeting Schedule

2019

2019 Board Meeting Schedule

2018

2017

2016

View the 2016 Police Oversight Board meeting schedule.

2015

Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board (CPOAB) Member Profiles

Read about the current CPOA Board Members and how they make a difference in our community.

Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board (CPOAB) Member Profiles

Read about the current CPOA Board Members and how they make a difference in our community.

Contacting Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board Members

Contact all current members of the CPOA Board by sending an email to: [email protected]

The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board is a Five-Member board appointed by the City Council. Members will be appointed for three-year terms and are eligible for reappointment for an additional full term.

2024 CPOA Board Meeting Schedule

Aaron Calderon, Chair

Aaron Calderon is a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served in various states across the country. After his military service, he worked in Texas for Baylor Scott and White Healthcare before settling back in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he has lived for the past 7 years. Currently, Mr. Calderon works as a manager of clinic operations at Presbyterian Healthcare Services. With his background and passion for community service, Mr. Calderon wants to bring his expertise to the Citizens of Albuquerque as a member of the CPOA Board. His goal is to ensure a fair and transparent oversight process for the Albuquerque Police Department, to enhance the relationship between the police and the residents. Mr. Calderon believes that the APD has greatly improved and has made changes in their policies and training, focusing on de-escalating situations and using force only as a last resort.

Email: [email protected]

Term: Initial Appointment 03-06-2023, Expires 02-02-2026

 

Rowan Wymark, Vice Chair

Ms. Wymark is a dedicated community member and former educator who has lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the past thirty-two years. During her time in Albuquerque, she has been actively involved in various community organizations, including serving as co-chair for the Valley Area Command Community Policing Council for seven years and as a board member for the Downtown Neighborhoods Association. She is currently serving on the Mayor’s Homeless Advisory Council and on Lew Wallace Elementary School’s Community Committee as a community member. Ms. Wymark's professional background includes working as a special education teacher with Albuquerque Public Schools, where she also served as the vice president for elementary teachers with the Albuquerque Teachers Federation for approximately seven years. Additionally, she was a board member on the Central Labor Council for several years. Originally from the UK, Ms. Wymark has lived in the US for forty-three years and considers it her home. She believes in fairness, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of life, including policing. If she is appointed to the CPOAB, she sees the importance of keeping the police honest and committed to fairness, while also ensuring that undue violence towards civilians is not tolerated. She believes that the Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA) plays a crucial role in investigating civilian complaints regarding the use of force by the police and that it is the CPOAB's responsibility to support the CPOA in establishing proper grounds for these complaints. As a member of the CPOAB, Ms. Wymark sees her role as representing the Albuquerque community and their concerns regarding police behavior within the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). She understands the importance of being impartial and transparent in her decision-making and believes that it is crucial to be well-informed of the methodologies and approaches of the APD. As a community member herself, Ms. Wymark feels that it is her right and responsibility to speak out on community concerns according to her own perceptions.

Email: [email protected]

Term: Initial Appointment 04-03-2023, Expires 02-02-2026

 

Zander Bolyanatz

Zander Bolyanatz, a senior project manager, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service, making him uniquely qualified for this role. Beyond his professional endeavors, he has dedicated over five years to volunteering with local coops, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and served as an assistant cheer coach in the Chicago area. His interest in serving on the CPOAB arises from a longstanding commitment to Albuquerque, police tactics, and the public perception of law enforcement. Zander emphasizes a unique perspective, highlighting his ability to view situations from multiple angles and manage large timelines for improvement and change.  Recognizing the cornerstone of "good" community relationships as communication, Mr. Bolyanatz emphasizes the need for open dialogue between law enforcement and all communities in Albuquerque. His extensive experience equips him with the skills to understand the intricacies of collaborative discussions, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness of both points of view to communities and their leaders. In acknowledging the challenges within the current period, Mr. Bolyanatz proposes a proactive approach: "It's not to excuse law enforcement's actions but to explain." He firmly believes that fostering understanding will contribute to more effective communication and, ultimately, improve community-police relationships.

Email: [email protected]

Term: Initial Appointment 12-04-2023, Expires 02-02-2024; Reappointment 01-22-2024, Expires 02-02-2027

 

Shama E. Newton

Shama Newton, a seasoned professional in mental health and group living management, currently serves as Group Living Director at Sequel Youth and Family Services in Albuquerque, NM. With a robust career spanning over 14 years, Mr. Newton has demonstrated leadership as he supervises program directors, supervisors, and staff at Sequel, overseeing programming and scheduling for the facility. His role as a Program Specialist at Desert Hills of New Mexico further showcases his dedication to directing programs for boys aged 11-18 and supervising staff. Beyond his mental health expertise, Mr. Newton co-founded Sharon's Boyz Musiq Group & Promotions, where he served as the President of Promotions. Over 16 years in Albuquerque, Mr. Newton has not only organized fundraisers and volunteered for APS lunch programs but has also actively supported the homeless and single mothers in need. Motivated by a deep connection to the city and its people, Mr. Newton seeks to join the Police Oversight Advisory Board (CPOAB). His diverse experiences in community service, event coordination, and mental health uniquely equip him to contribute positively to the board. Mr. Newton commitment to fairness, accountability, and social justice aligns with the board's mission, making him a compelling candidate to advocate for effective civilian oversight of law enforcement in Albuquerque.

Email: [email protected]

Term: Initial Appointment 01-08-2024, Expires 02-02-2024; Reappointment 01-22-2024, Expires 02-02-2027

 

Gail Oliver

Ms. Oliver, a retired Board member and chairman of Gordon Bernell Charter School at the Albuquerque Metropolitan Detention Center and a Board Member of Peanut Butter and Jelly Family Services, offers a distinctive perspective on the significance of impartiality. Drawing from her experience in the Corrections Department, she underscores the recognition of multiple sides to every story and the capacity to perceive situations from different angles. Ms. Oliver takes pride in her impartial approach, free from preconceived ideas, positioning herself as a valuable resource that listens without judgment. She draws attention to her background in a dynamic Corrections Department setting, acknowledging the tendency to neglect communication with the public during intense situations. Ms. Oliver confidently asserts her proficiency in effectively communicating with diverse segments of the public.

Email: [email protected]

Term: Initial Appointment 12-04-2023, Expires 02-02-2026

 

Submit your Application to City Council if you are interested in becoming a CPOA Board Member.