The Investigation is of APD Overtime and Potential Criminal Violations; in addition to Designation of the City of Albuquerque for Special Audit

Auditor Colón designated the City of Albuquerque for a Special Audit, to be performed in addition to its own examination, on severe allegations concerning APD overtime practices, including potential criminal violations. City of Albuquerque fails to provide timely notification on suspected fraud.

Albuquerque, NM – State Auditor Brian Colón is requesting Attorney General Hector Balderas assign special agents to work with auditors in the Special Investigations Division (SID) of the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) in its examination of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD).

“The allegations of potential criminal activity concerning APD overtime abuse are severe. I have engaged Attorney General Balderas to bolster our investigation,” said Auditor Colón. “Together, we intend to determine what is really happening at the Albuquerque Police Department. We will collaborate, bringing our respective strengths and skills to this investigation, to ensure no stone is left unturned.”

In addition to the OSA’s special investigation, State Auditor Colón designated the City of Albuquerque (“City”) for a special audit to examine the allegations of abuse concerning the potential mismanagement of police overtime and disregard of APD procedures.

Auditor Colón added, “In a time of great unrest, heightened anxiety by citizens across New Mexico – leading to protests of police abuse and calls to defund law enforcement agencies – it is deeply concerning that the City of Albuquerque failed to act swiftly and transparently, especially following calls from its own Civilian Police Oversight Agency to take action. The City of Albuquerque has continually failed to hold APD accountable.”