For years, local advocates and residents have been demanding an overhaul in the Department to keep Phoenicians safe from police abuse their experiences and voices should be at the front of this investigation.
There is a clear need for fundamental change in the agency and that starts with robust oversight and accountability. “We welcome the Department of Justice’s decision to initiate a pattern and practice investigation of the Phoenix Police Department and look forward to working with them and local community groups to move this investigation forward in a constructive and meaningful way. Victoria Lopez, Advocacy and Legal Director for the ACLU of Arizona: Police officers across the country must use their authority in a manner that adheres to the Constitution, complies with federal civil rights laws and respects human dignity.”
#PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT FREE#
“One of the highest priorities of the Civil Rights Division is to ensure that every person in this country benefits from policing that is lawful, effective, transparent, and free from discrimination. We know that law enforcement shares these goals.”Īssistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke: This increases public trust, which in turn increases public safety. “When we conduct pattern or practice investigations to determine whether the Constitution or federal law has been violated, our aim is to promote transparency and accountability. We are confident in the work of the Phoenix Police Department and our officers on the street, and we will fully cooperate with the Department of Justice investigation." "The top priority of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association is to maintain a high standard of community policing, and promote ethical policies that protect police officers and our community. Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Michael "Britt" London: QfnhQrvC圎- Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia - District 8 August 5, 2021 My office and I applaud the decision by the DOJ to investigate the Phoenix Police Department. As your Mayor, and along with members of the Phoenix City Council, I pledge to continue this work to achieve the best possible outcomes.” I thank the residents of Phoenix for being strong advocates and raising their voices during a time of great change. OAT will independently investigate allegations involving police while also creating greater transparency and accountability within the Phoenix Police Department. By using the right professionals for the right situations, we improve outcomes and release police officers from handling work they were never trained to do.įor the first time in city history, we will now have an Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OAT). CAP fundamentally changes our response to mental and behavioral health calls for service by placing trained mental health professionals in the field. With the approval of the FY 2021-22 budget, we have undertaken one of the largest investments in public safety reforms in the city’s history, including the massively expanded Community Assistance Program (CAP). We have implemented many reforms since 2019 but recognize there is much more work to do. Public safety reform is an ongoing process in Phoenix, and now, with the help of the USDOJ, this robust reform program will continue. Along with the City Manager, and Chief of Police, I stand ready to support the USDOJ throughout this review process. The recommendations that will result from this review will assist us in our ongoing efforts to become an even safer, stronger, more equitable city. Comprehensive reform of policing in the City of Phoenix has been my priority since the first day I took office. Department of Justice review of the Phoenix Police Department. Officials, including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, were quick to respond to the news. Garland announced Thursday that the Justice Department has opened a "pattern or practice" investigation into the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department for its use-of-force practices.
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