FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 4, 2014
 
CONTACT: Micah McCoy, (505) 266-5915 x1003 or mmccoy@aclu-nm.org
 
ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Today the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico responded to Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry’s announcement that he had asked the Department of Justice to release their findings and install a federal monitor to implement the reforms in the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). The following statement can be attributed to ACLU of New Mexico Executive Director Peter Simonson:
 
“Mayor Berry’s call for federal intervention in Albuquerque’s troubled police department is a good first step towards reducing the excessive use of force and officer involved shootings in our city. It is a shame that the City’s leadership took so long to respond with aggressive action. Indeed, we might not be witnessing this action today if the Boyd shooting had not been captured by an officer-worn camera and made public. This fact makes one thing perfectly clear: body-worn cameras are an essential part of restoring transparency and accountability to our police department. Going forward, the City must set forth a policy of zero tolerance for any officer who fails to properly use a body-worn cameras to record encounters with civilians. Every single interaction between APD and the public must be recorded and preserved with serious consequences for officers who fail to do so. We furthermore urge the City Council to quickly adopt the recommendations put forward by the Police Oversight Task Force to overhaul the POC and establish meaningful, effective civilian oversight of law enforcement in Albuquerque.”
 

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