By:
Stuart Dyson, KOB Eyewitness News 4
A
big task now facing the city of Albuquerque is the selection of a federal
monitor to oversee the police department’s compliance with new reforms aimed at
reducing the excessive use of force by city cops.
Negotiations
are under way on those reforms, but already community leaders are thinking
about the qualifications for the person who will oversee that compliance for years
to come. It’s going to be a tough job
and it’s going to take a remarkable person. Other cities in similar situations
have chosen high profile community leaders with experience and expertise in
both law enforcement and civil rights. They don’t always go together. Nobody
knows that better than Edmund Perea, a retired 24-year APD officer who is now a
lawyer.
“There
has to be some level of understanding and sensitivity to the role that a police
officer performs on a day-to-day basis,” Perea said. “ On the other hand they
have to have a clear understanding of constitutional rights issues as it
relates to how police officers do their job.”
City
Council President Ken Sanchez called for the appointment of a federal monitor a
year and a half ago.
“I
think it’s got to be someone who has a great knowledge in constitutional
rights, civil rights, who also understands municipalities that have been
through these problems.”
Legislative
leader Moe Maestas, who serves in the state House of representatives, likes
that idea of experience.
“Maybe
some who’s done it before,” Maestas said. “Someone who’s had success. Someone
who understands what cops go through but also understands civil rights, and
maybe somebody who has familiarity with Latino populations.”
One
more key requirement – that person must have no ties to the police agency
involved. The federal monitor could be at work here for up to five years, and
maybe even longer. In the negotiation process, the Department of Justice and
city leaders will figure out how the monitor will be selected.