A new bill discussed by the Court, Corrections, and Justice Committee at the state capitol last week is turning some heads.

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A new bill discussed by the Court, Corrections, and Justice Committee at the state capitol last week is turning some heads.The bill, which hasn’t been officially filed, would make the attorney general of New Mexico prosecute charges against police officers instead of local or area district attorneys.The bill was spearheaded by Albuquerque City Councilor Diane Gibson. Gibson reached out to state Rep. Gail Chasey (D) to help form and draft the bill some weeks ago.Chasey and Gibson share a precinct together.Since 2010, Albuquerque police have been involved with 27 fatal shootings. While some have produced civil settlements by the city, no officer has been indicted or charged.Each case has been handled by Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg. Brandenburg’s office plays an integral role in determining if each shooting is justified or not.Gibson said that fact can create distrust among residents.She added that the bill is being talked about at an interesting time when recent shooting investigations into Officer Darren Wilson from Ferguson, and Officer Daniel Pantaleo from New York produced no indictments.Both killed an unarmed man, and local DAs handled both cases.“I just think the citizens of Albuquerque would benefit from a department that was transparent and held accountable by people that aren’t their peers,” Gibson said.So far the bill is only four pages, and would put the attorney general in charge of prosecuting any state law enforcement officer charged with a violent felony, assault against a household member, abuse of a child or any crime for which registration under the sex offender registration and notification act is required. Opponents of the bill feel the attorney general’s office doesn’t have the resources to prosecute such crimes. However, supporters disagree and feel not many officers are either prosecuted or investigated for criminal offenses statewide, producing a manageable caseload. Gibson feels the bill would at least restore trust and faith between Albuquerque citizens and APD. “It would just provide a detachment with more space between the prosecuting office and he officer or officers in question,” Gibson said.Chasey said the bill had a good reception at the committee meeting and agrees with its concept, though she said it had a long way to go before becoming a law. “It’s a win for police departments and for district attorney’s offices by removing both from the equation,” Chasey said.MOBILE USERS: Tap here for video