In addressing a matter of considerable concern in Maricopa, Police Chief Mark Goodman has publicly announced an internal investigation involving "older" criminal cases which may not have been given due attention. The internal review highlighted potential lapses in investigations of serious offenses, including sex crimes, with records falling short of indicating whether thorough investigations—if any—took place prior to their closures. In a statement obtained by Maricopa's official news release, Goodman expressed this as "unacceptable" and not up to par with the community's standards.
Moving to ensure integrity and public confidence, the Maricopa Police Department has referred these cases to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) for an independent review. This external inquiry will probe at least 40 criminal cases spanning back over a decade in an effort to uphold accountability. The department is calling for patience from the public, as this scrutiny is bound to be time-consuming. Goodman reinforced the department's commitment to transparency, promising to disclose the findings of the DPS investigation upon its conclusion.
Simultaneously, proactive steps have been taken to remedy the issue internally. Maricopa Police have revisited several affected cases to ensure they receive the thorough investigation they merit, emphasizing that every victim deserves justice—a sentiment shared in Goodman's address to the community. Measures to prevent future occurrences include an enhanced investigative review process that mandates additional leadership sign-offs before any case can be declared closed. Goodman's call to residents who harbor anxieties regarding past cases is directed to Lieutenant Kathleen Elliott, providing a direct line of communication for those seeking answers.
