The U.S. Department of Justice is closely scrutinizing the Phoenix Police Department, aiming to bring to light alleged use-of-force mishandlings and discriminatory behavior. The probe, which is to soon lay bare its findings, has been underway for over two years and is considered a bellwether for potential systemic reforms.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has taken the reins of this extensive operation, which seeks to uncover any possible pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing behaviors within the Phoenix force. As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the investigation is set to also examine treatment of the city's homeless community, with allegations of the unlawful disposal of personal effects at the center of the controversy.
The DOJ's look into the Phoenix Police Department was spurred by several alarming incidents, including a notably high incidence of officer-involved shootings in 2018 and claims of Black Lives Matter protesters being falsely labeled as gang members, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. Additionally, accusations include law enforcement retaliating against individuals exercising their First Amendment rights and possibly infringing the rights of those with behavioral health challenges.
An outcome of the probe may lead the DOJ to enforce what is commonly known as a consent decree, a court-ordered mandate that could graft onto the police department's sets of goals to meet before the oversight is potentially removed. Mayor Kate Gallego welcomed the probe while the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association expressed confidence, promising to fully cooperate. "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," the association said in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
The exhaustive inquiry led by the DOJ included over 22,000 body camera videos, 150,000 documents, and around 130 interviews with officials, as per the data outlined by FOX 10 Phoenix. The police force has initiated a new "use of force" policy as part of its reform efforts. It is set to engage with the community in a series of meetings to discuss the investigation's progression.
Even as the DOJ's conclusions are about to be made public, city officials seem unready to submit to a lengthy and possibly costly consent decree.
