The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a civil investigation into use of force by the city of Albuquerque, N.M., Police Department (APD). The investigation will focus on allegations that APD officers engage in use of excessive force, including use of unreasonable deadly force.
The investigation will include a comprehensive review of the police department’s policies, training and systems of accountability. The investigation will also examine the police department’s engagement with the community and external oversight of officer-involved shootings and other force incidents.
Prior to the announcement, department officials met with Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry and APD Chief Ray Schultz, who pledged their full cooperation with the investigation.
The investigation was prompted after a number of police shootings and numerous police abuse cases. Since 2010 Albuquerque police have been involved in 25 shooting with 17 of them fatal.
Individuals who may have relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via email atcommunity.albuquerque@usdoj.gov or by calling the department’s toll free number at 885-544-5134 which is available in both English and Spanish.
Assistant Attorney General Perez said: “Let me be clear, this is a civil investigation not a criminal investigation. We are focused on whether there is a pattern or practice of excessive force by the APD.”
