New Mexico City’s Police Suits Cost $7M in 2 Years

Albuquerque, N.M., has paid nearly $7 million in the past two years settle lawsuits triggered by police officers’ actions.

The lawsuits stem from police-involved shootings, wrongful arrests and a wrongful death case filed by the family of Tera Chavez. Her husband, former Albuquerque police Officer Levi Chavez, has been charged in her murder.

Albuquerque chief administrative officer Rob Perry tells KOAT-TV that policing a large city is a high liability business. He says the city learns what it needs to do better with each claim and lawsuit it faces.

Perry said he’s changed a no-settlement policy set by previous administrators and there’s been a surge in settlements from older cases.

Perry says he thinks the city has solid defenses in many remaining cases.