A federal judge has approved an agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice and Albuquerque to overhaul use of force by the New Mexico city's police department.
The agreement approved Tuesday by District Judge Robert C. Brack was negotiated amid allegations of excessive force by police officers, including more than 40 shootings involving officers since 2010.
According to a Justice Department report, officers too frequently used deadly force on people who posed a minimal threat and used a higher level of force too often on those with mental illness.
A police union objected to aspects of the agreement, but Brack said it "lays a thoughtful foundation for building systemic reform" in the Police Department.
He ordered annual hearings on progress in implementing the agreement.
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