CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE
CITY COUNCIL
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: All Councilors
FROM: Stephanie M. Yara, Director of Council Services
SUBJECT:
title
Staff Recommendation to Reappoint Dr. William J. Kass to the Civilian Police Oversight Agency Board
body
Pursuant to the provisions of §9-4-1-5 of the Police Oversight Ordinance, City Council staff recommends the reappointment of Dr. William J. Kass to the Civilian Police Oversight Agency Board.
APPOINTEE NAME TERM
Dr. William J. Kass February 2, 2023
5114 Royene Ave NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
If reappointed, Dr. Kass will be serving his first full term which will expire on February 2, 2023, and he will be eligible for re-appointment for another three-year term.
Dr. William J. Kass is currently serving on the CPOA Board. He was appointed by Council on June 19, 2017. Dr. Kass is a retired physical scientist, where he was project manager of a wide variety of scientific and engineering projects. Dr. Kass has been active in following APD reform efforts by attending numerous community meetings including POC and POB meetings, Police Oversight Task Force Meetings, Coffee with Cops, and Council Meetings with Dr. James Ginger. Dr. Kass’ interest in serving comes from his prior involvement and interest in reviewing, analyzing, and recommendations of policy.
Current Board Membership:
Name Term
Ms. Cathryn Starr 02/02/2023
Dr. William J. Kass 02/02/2023
Mr. Douglas Mitchell 02/02/2023
Vacant 02/02/2021
Mr. Leonard Waites 02/02/2021
Mr. Eric Olivas 02/02/2021
Ms. Tara Armijo-Prewitt 02/02/2022
Ms. Chantal M. Galloway 02/02/2022
Vacant 02/02/2022
Per the Ordinance, the Board composition is to consist of nine at-large members who:
“broadly represent the diversity and demographics of the City by way of, including but not limited to, cultural, gender and geographic diversity; and who are representative of the stakeholders of the police oversight process, and who reside within the City of Albuquerque.” 9-4-1-5(A) ROA 1994.
Members serve two three-year terms. Per the Police Oversight Ordinance, Board members must also meet the following requirements:
(1) He or she must not have been employed by law enforcement for one year prior to appointment; and
(2) He or she must successfully pass a background check; and
(3) He or she must have a personal history lacking any pattern of unsubstantiated complaints against APD; and
(4) He or she must have a demonstrated ability to engage in mature, impartial decision making; and
(5) He or she must have a commitment to transparency and impartial decision making; and
(6) He or she must be a resident of the City of Albuquerque
Per Ordinance requirements for the Board’s composition, listed above, Council Staff recommends Dr. William J. Kass be reappointed to the Civilian Police Oversight Agency Board.
ATTACHMENTS
• Map of CPOA Board Members