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APD continues to show gains in latest Reform Report

The independent monitor overseeing APD’s reform efforts has released its 16th report, which shows another major increase in overall compliance.

Wed. Nov. 9, 2022

ALBUQUERQUE – The independent monitor overseeing APD’s reform efforts has released its 16th report, which shows another major increase in overall compliance.

APD achieved 100% primary compliance and 99% secondary compliance, which reflects new policies and training based on those policies.

APD increased its operational compliance from 70% to 80% since the last monitoring period, which means the department is successfully applying the new policies and training to a vast majority of day-to-day operations.

“This is great news that validates the progress we’re seeing at the ground level of reform,”said Chief Harold Medina. “Every employee at APD has worked hard to get us to this point.

“Just as important, we continue to challenge some policies and changes that are not working for APD. We need the flexibility from the DOJ and the monitoring team when we identify roadblocks to reform,” Chief Medina said.

“The right plan and procedures have been put in place by strong leadership and guidance at APD starting at the top,” said Superintendent of Police Reform Victor Valdez. “The department has clearly shown its dedication to the reform process by achieving its highest levels of compliance.”

“We continue to make sure our department and our officers have what they need to make important progress, while also prioritizing flexibility and conditions that work for us as we prioritize keeping our city safe,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These recent reports show that our work is paying off, and we look forward to continuing to move in this direction.”

The 16th report covers the period between February 2022 and July 2022. The report highlighted APD’s training process as a “bright spot at APD.” Additionally, the report describes the benefit of external hires, developing training plans, documentation, and delivery systems that comply with industry standards.

The monitor complimented APD’s Recruiting Unit and the Behavioral Science Section continuing their high-quality work that’s been noted in previous reports.

The report noted that the Force Review Board reviewed 43% more cases during the reporting period than in the previous reporting period. This means APD is clearing more force cases in a timely manner.

U.S. District Court Judge James O. Browning is expected to hold a public hearing on the report on Dec. 6, 2022.

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