The Justice Department and the City of Albuquerque have jointly requested the U.S. District Court to approve the termination of a federal consent decree that has governed the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) since 2015. This motion comes after findings indicating that APD has achieved full compliance with the terms of the decree.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “This consent decree has run its course successfully.” Dhillon expressed pride in supporting the APD and emphasized that it is now appropriate to end federal oversight, returning control to local authorities.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico highlighted significant advancements by APD towards constitutional policing and accountability. Ellison remarked, “This progress builds on nearly a decade of hard work and partnership with the community,” underscoring the importance of leadership, community engagement, and departmental commitment in fostering a safer Albuquerque.