New Police Oversight Board passed by council
On Wednesday the Albuquerque City Council unanimously passed an ordinance to create the new Police Oversight Board."
The new "POB" has the power to subpoena witnesses and police officers in its investigation of civilian complaints and police-involved shootings.
These changes come after dozens of police-involved shootings and an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ investigation found APD has a pattern and practice of excessive force. The DOJ noted the civilian oversight in Albuquerque was lacking resources and funding.
The new POB will have a budget of $750,000, or 1 percent of APD's budget.
The Board will primarily be responsible for investigating all civilian complaints against police officers, as well as police involved shootings."
*The ordinance was sent to Mayor Richard Berry's desk. There may be parts of it that he won't agree with; for example, the council took away the Mayor's power to approve people appointed to the Oversight Board."
http://www.koat.com/news/new-police-oversight-board-passed-by-council/28145696
