We are at a critical juncture in the decades-long quest for constitutional policing in Albuquerque. Three years ago, the Department of Justice investigated and found that the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has a pattern and practice of unconstitutional policing.
It indicated that APD is characterized by a culture of aggression that undervalues the lives and safety of the most vulnerable residents of the city, especially people living with mental illness. The City of Albuquerque and the APD entered into a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice to reform the department. This was a major step in the right direction. Unfortunately, we find ourselves faced with a new Department of Justice in Washington that seems oblivious, and perhaps even hostile, to the movement to reform policing in our country. We must press our elected officials in Albuquerque to finish the job we started: APD must fundamentally change its culture and incorporate constitutional, professional policing into the fabric of the department. We need your help to make this happen.
ACTIVIST GUIDE:
APD Forward: A Guide for Activists
FURTHER READING & RESOURCES
How to Talk About the Albuquerque Police Department
Mayor and City Council Contact Information
APD Forward’s Analysis of the Monitor’s Fifth Report on APD
The Monitor’s Fifth Report on APD (May 2, 2017)
Settlement Agreement Between U.S. Department of Justice and City of Albuquerque
U.S. Department of Justice Findings Letter Regarding the APD
