Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD’s Deputy Chief Cori Lowe is retiring from the department following a career as an officer, detective and a leader during reform efforts during the past six years.
Lowe oversees the Accountability Bureau, which she helped create as part of APD’s efforts to gain compliance under the Court-Approved Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. Lowe served as a lieutenant, commander, and now deputy chief during that six-year period. APD is in the final stage of compliance with the DOJ.
As Deputy Chief, Lowe also oversees the Training Academy. She has been with the Albuquerque Police Department since 2005. She has worked in numerous areas within the department such as Field Services, Violent Crimes, Narcotics, and HIDTA.
“Deputy Chief Lowe’s commitment to APD, in addition to her hard work and high standards, helped us get through the reform process,” said Chief Harold Medina. “It’s going to be difficult to replace her leadership, but she built a bureau and a process that ensures APD will continue to adapt and continue to be the most professional department in the state.”
With the retirement of Deputy Chief Lowe, Chief Medina assigned three deputy chiefs to new positions as part of his Command Staff:
- Deputy Chief Mike Smathers will replace Lowe to oversee the Accountability Bureau; he previously served over the Special Operations Bureau.
- Deputy Chief Cecily Barker will oversee the Field Services Bureau; she previously served over the Investigative Bureau.
- Deputy Chief Josh Brown will oversee the Special Operations Bureau; he previously served over the Field Services Bureau.
- A/Deputy Chief George Vega is being promoted to oversee the Investigative Bureau; he previously served as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division.
Commander Kyle Hartsock was also appointed to serve as the Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, replacing Vega.
