How the CPOA Works

The Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA) is an independent agency of City Government, not part of either the City Administration or City Council that consists of a Police Oversight Board (POB) and an Administrative Office led by the CPOA Executive Director.

The CPOA receives, investigates and reviews complaints and commendations submitted by community members for/against the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). The CPOA also reviews APD policies, practices, and procedures, making recommendation to the Chief of Police.

History of the CPOA

The Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA) was established in 2014 after the City of Albuquerque amended its Police Oversight Ordinance. As a result, the NEW Police Oversight Ordinance replaced the former Police Oversight Commission (POC) with the new Police Oversight Board (POB) and the former Independent Review Office (IRO) with the new Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA).

More Information

For more information on the Civilian Police Oversight Agency and the Police Oversight Board, including upcoming meeting dates, how to submit a police complaint or commendation, reports, and findings letters, visit https://www.cabq.gov/cpoa.