![]() ![]() The use of consent decrees around policing began as a result of the 1994 Crime Bill, which included accountability measures for law enforcement. That's someone who oversees the consent decree and tracks certain goals that those cities and departments must meet before the oversight can be removed. The order must first be negotiated and agreed upon by the DOJ and the city under investigation. We're taking a look at what that means and what it could cost taxpayers for years to come.Ī federal consent decree is a court-ordered mandate – typically handed down when a Department of Justice investigation uncovers patterns or practices by police that are deemed unconstitutional. So, if the DOJ investigation concludes that changes are indeed needed to fix issues within the Phoenix Police Department, they could order what's called a consent decree. 130 interviews conducted, including with the Phoenix City Manager and the interim police chief.Over 22,000 body camera videos shared by city officials. ![]() 150,000 documents shared by city officials."We hope to have dialogue with the community on a variety of topics," Bryan Chapman, assistant Phoenix Police Chief, said on Jan. That was followed by public comment and feedback from DOJ experts. Then, in January 2023, a new "use of force" policy was released by the Phoenix Police Department. He's a significant hire considering his previous experience leading the Baltimore Police Department's efforts to comply with its own consent decree. Several months later, in October 2022, her successor was named. Police Chief Jeri Williams announced her retirement in May 2022. They conducted ride-alongs, witnessed recruit training and began to comb through thousands of documents.Īnd in the middle of all of this, there was a shakeup at the top of the department. In fall 2021, the DOJ began interviewing department employees. The department says it has cooperated with the investigation and handed over an estimated 20,000 body camera videos, 80,000 documents, training materials and more. In 2021, the Department of Justice announced a widespread probe alleging a "pattern of practice" and an unusually high rate of excessive force. Phoenix Police has released new information about the ongoing federal investigation into their department. Phoenix PD shares update on DOJ investigation If it violates the rights of those experiencing homelessness by unlawfully seizing and disposing of their belongings during sweeps and clean-ups.If it violates the rights of those with behavioral health disabilities in a crisis.Whether it retaliates against individuals engaged in protests or demonstrations.Whether it engages in discriminatory policing practices.Whether the department uses excessive force.Those charges were eventually dropped.Īctivists also claimed that officers, assigned to clean up the homeless encampment known as "The Zone," were throwing away people's personal belongings, things like ID cards and birth certificates.Īll of this led to a DOJ civil patterns or practice investigation, highlighting five issues within the Phoenix Police Department. In 2020, the police department was accused of arresting Black Lives Matter protesters, falsely claiming they were part of a gang. They took into account, that in 2018, Phoenix Police officers led the nation in police shootings. We also considered factors that we normally weigh when considering to open an investigation," Clarke said. "Court files, media reports, citizen complaints. The investigation by the DOJ has officially begun.īut really, it began months before when Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and her staff began extensively reviewing all publicly available information. "We are announcing the justice department is opening an investigation into the city of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department," Garland said on Aug. Unlike the Minneapolis case following George Floyd's murder, and the Louisville case involving Breonna Taylor's death, the case against Phoenix wasn't centered around one incident, but many. It was Merrick Garland's third such investigation as United States Attorney General. In the summer of 2021, the DOJ opened its investigation into the city of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department. Investigating the Phoenix Police Department DOJ report from Phoenix PD probe to be released any day ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |