Albuquerque questions neutrality of police monitor

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest city is asking for a hearing regarding the neutrality of the independent monitor who is charged with overseeing federally-mandated reforms of the Albuquerque police force. The city in a motion filed Tuesday raised questions about whether monitor James Ginger is being fair. The city's legal staff wants to call witnesses and present evidence so a judge can decide if there's a problem. The police department has been undergoing an overhaul since the U.S. Justice Department in 2014 found a pattern of excessive force. Ginger is paid to review the police department's progress and report back to a federal judge. The Albuquerque Journal reported Wednesday that according to Ginger's latest findings, progress is being made but use-of-force oversight within the department and police administration continue to fall below expectations.