Ed Harness, Executive Director of Albuquerque's Civilian Police Oversight Agency (CPOA) is stepping down this week after not being automatically reappointed by the organization's council.
CPOA was founded on the notion of police accountability, and is responsible for investigating complaints of use of excessive force within the criminal justice system, according to KRQE.
“You decided to deny my request and open my position to applicants. You reached this conclusion without speaking with or consulting with any of the stakeholders in the community, but most shameful is the fact that you didn’t even have enough respect to speak with any member of the CPOA staff,” Harness told the station.
In his six years of service, Harness had his fair share of tumultuous leadership, having dealt with 29 different bosses, according to KRQE.
“This does come as a shock to all of us I imagine, but wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, and thank you for giving us this information tonight,” said Board Chair Eric Olivas, who thanked Harness for his service, according to KRQE.
Harness, who announced his resignation on Oct. 14, has set Nov. 15 as his last day on the job.
