By Russell Contreras
Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An independent monitor says Albuquerque police are at odds with his team on how to revamp the department’s use-of-force policy.
Court-appointed monitor James Ginger told a federal judge Thursday that there’s no agreement on a new policy and that is among the things delaying reform.
The Albuquerque Police Department is one of several agencies nationwide that are under court-ordered agreements with the U.S. Justice Department. Federal officials found Albuquerque officers routinely used excessive use.
Ginger says timelines established by the settlement between police and the Justice Department also have been delayed because his contract wasn’t approved until months after the reform agreement took effect.
Despite the disagreement over the use-of-force policy, Ginger noted that police are in compliance with goals up to this point.
The police department also had been scrutinized for more than 40 police shootings since 2010.
Ginger has been criticized, with some alleging he has lacked transparency during his review and has not fully engaged with community members and critics of police.
“I have not been too impressed with him,” said Ralph Arellanes, chairman of Hispano Roundtable of New Mexico, who was among those who filed a complaint against police. “I continue to feel uncomfortable with him and this process.”
Ginger said earlier this month that some changes to use-of-force policies are underway. He said a member of his team reported that more officers are being trained in how to handle crisis situations.
Ginger repeatedly stressed that the years-long police reform process is a “marathon” and sweeping changes would not come quickly.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press