Albuquerque police hold crisis training amid probe

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police are scheduled to begin new crisis-intervention classes for officers a month after police shot and killed a homeless camper, generating violent protests.

The first new crisis-intervention class of 35 officers starts Monday, and the department's goal is to have 100 percent certification within 18 months. Only about a quarter of the agency's officers have been trained in crisis intervention practices during their careers.

Also on Monday, the U.S. Justice Department starts a series of community meetings on its recent findings that the Albuquerque Police Department engaged in a pattern of excessive force.

The Justice Department said in its report that Albuquerque police often used unnecessary excessive force with those battling mental illness.