Albuquerque measure would end military surplus for police
Columbia Basin Herald | UPDATED 4 years, 10 months AGO
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two Albuquerque city councilors want to end the city’s participation in a federal program in which surplus military equipment is transferred to municipal police departments.
City Council President Pat Davis and Councilor Lan Sena announced the legislation Monday. They say they’re against what they call the militarization of law enforcement.
While the Albuquerque Police Department hasn’t received any equipment through the program since 2015, Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement that the use of military equipment is “out of step with our values around community safety." He said he will support the legislation.
The measure will be formally introduced at the council’s June 15 meeting. It could be voted on before the end of the month.