A recent federal civil rights investigation has found that the Phoenix Police Department is discriminating against Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals, unlawfully detaining homeless people, and using excessive force, including deadly force. The investigation revealed stark racial disparities in the enforcement of certain laws, such as low-level drug and traffic offenses, with minority groups being targeted more harshly than white individuals engaging in the same conduct. The report also highlighted instances where Phoenix officers shot at individuals who did not pose an imminent threat and delayed medical care for those injured in encounters with law enforcement.
Despite these findings, Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan stated that they need time to thoroughly review the report before considering any next steps. On the other hand, the president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association dismissed the investigation as a “farce” and warned that a consent decree would negatively impact officer morale. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the report as an important step toward accountability and transparency, emphasizing the Department’s commitment to meaningful reform to protect the civil rights and safety of Phoenix residents.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced that city officials would convene on June 25 to receive legal advice and discuss potential next steps based on the findings of the investigation. The report emphasized the over-policing of homeless individuals in Phoenix, leading to arrests without reasonable suspicion of a crime. The Department of Justice highlighted the racial disparities in law enforcement practices, stating that Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals were disproportionately targeted for citations and arrests compared to white individuals.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke criticized Phoenix for its treatment of homeless individuals, stating that more than a third of the Phoenix Police Department’s misdemeanor arrests and citations were of homeless people. The DOJ’s investigation began in August 2021 and identified systemic problems related to excessive force and civil rights violations. While litigation is an option if efforts to secure a consent decree fail, the Department remains hopeful that a consent decree will be put in place to address the severe violations identified in the report.
The investigation also uncovered instances of police shootings due to officers’ reckless tactics, delays in providing aid to injured individuals, and the use of force against unconscious or incapacitated individuals. The report highlighted the need for training for 911 call-takers and dispatchers to handle mental health calls effectively. Poder In Action, a Phoenix advocacy group, expressed that the findings were not surprising, as data and stories from residents have been indicating these issues for years. City Manager Jeff Barton stated that all allegations are being taken seriously, and the city plans to review the report with an open mind to address the concerns raised by the Department of Justice’s investigation.
