Police Practices

Stylized image of a group of police officers, with one in the center facing away from the camera. The word 'POLICE' is visible on the back of the officer's jacket.

Abuse by police continues to be a major civil rights problem in the U.S., particularly for the poor and for people of color. Everyone needs and deserves effective and humane law enforcement as a fundamental component of our human and civil rights.

The ACLU of New Mexico is frequently called upon to defend people when law enforcement officials overstep constitutional boundaries. We have taken legal action in numerous cases including illegal searches of high school students, illegal seizures of private property from motorists, and false imprisonment of homeless people.

In the wake of a Department of Justice investigation that found that the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) had a "pattern and practice" of violating people's rights by use of excessive force, the ACLU of New Mexico helped found the APD FORWARD coalition. As a part of this community alliance, the ACLU of New Mexico advocates for police reform in Albuquerque and monitors APD's progress in meeting the requirements set out in the consent decree between APD and the Department of Justice.

Find recent news about Police Practices in New Mexico below.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU of New Mexico Applauds Passage Of Key Civil Liberties Bills in the 2026 Legislative Session

As the 2026 legislative session comes to a close, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico applauds partner organizations, community advocates, and many legislators for their work advancing civil liberties in New Mexico.
News & Commentary
A photo of lady justice and a school bus to represent juvenile justice as a theme.

Don’t Turn Back: Protecting New Mexico’s Progress on Youth Justice

One‑size‑fits‑all sentencing has never produced safety, and it won’t start now.
Press Release
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New Mexico Parole Board Modernization Act (SB 43) Passed by the Senate  

Today, the New Mexico State Senate unanimously passed the New Mexico Parole Board Modernization Act (SB 43), taking the state one step closer to ensuring fair, evidence-based decisions in the state's parole system.
News & Commentary
Photo of Leon Howard

A New Phase in Civil Liberties Advocacy: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

For decades, the ACLU of New Mexico has worked alongside communities to defend civil liberties and expand the promise of the constitution. Today, with fundamental freedoms under intensifying attack and the stakes for our democracy higher than ever, that work has never been more urgent.
Legislation
Jan 21, 2026

Driver Privacy and Safety Act

New Mexicans should be able to trust that the technology police use will keep us safe – not infringe on our privacy or be weaponized by bad actors out of state.
Status: Active
Position: Support
Legislation
Jan 21, 2025

Protecting New Mexicans' Privacy from Mass Surveillance

Status: Failed
Position: Support