By By Ryan Boetel / ABQ Journal Staff Writer:

Albuquerque police officers have started training on a new use-of-force policy that emphasizes de-escalation and instructs officers to use the “minimum amount of force necessary” in any given situation.

A policy statement that introduces the new regulations says officers need to de-escalate situations whenever possible. They can do this by providing warnings, advisements, suggestions and giving the suspect space instead of using force, which can include anything from physical restraint to using a firearm.

It also states that regardless of the legal standard for force, APD officers are expected to use the minimum amount of force necessary. That phrase didn’t exist in the department’s prior use-of-force policy.

So far, fewer than 100 officers have been trained on the policy,which was distributed to officers in late January. Police union officials have raised questions about how the new rules will be enforced before training is complete.

The new policy was created through months of negotiations among the city, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Albuquerque Police Officers Association. It was approved by James Ginger, the independent monitor overseeing police reform. Click here to read the full article.