The City Council has approved a plan for greater civilian oversight of Albuquerque's police department, which has faced criticism over recent shootings.
The bill was approved 8-0 late Thursday and sent to the mayor, who has said he would carefully review any such proposal.
The ordinance is aimed at creating a more powerful agency to decide on civilian complaints against police.
The city has been rocked by angry protests and a U.S. Justice Department investigation over more than 40 police shootings since 2010.
The police union predicted that final approval of the ordinance will result in litigation for jeopardizing the rights of officers and violating the terms of their contract.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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