Title
Department of Justice Investigation Update
Description
This report provides information relating to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Investigation into the Phoenix Police Department (PPD).
Report
Summary
Since the Department of Justice announced its investigation into the Phoenix Police Department on Aug. 5, 2021, City staff have supported and participated in the investigation. The City has provided regular reports to update the community on the investigation. See prior updates on June 30, 2022, Jan. 19, March 23, April 27, May 25, June 29, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, 2023, Nov. 30, and Dec. 28, 2023.
Phoenix Police "Road to Reform"
On Jan. 11, 2023, outside counsel for the City of Phoenix, Steptoe LLP, sent a letter and report to the Department of Justice which outlines many years of reform efforts, and formally requested the negotiation of a Technical Assistance Letter or other similar resolution. A Technical Assistance Letter would allow DOJ to recommend reforms and best practices for achieving desired outcomes without the presence of a judge or independent monitor. The City of Phoenix has indicated a willingness to discuss and commit to methods of accountability moving forward.
Community Outreach Presentation Update
City staff continued providing in-person and virtual presentations to outline the status of the DOJ investigation and discuss relevant PPD reforms. The purpose of these presentations is to provide general information about the DOJ investigation, to share the numerous steps the City has taken to modernize and improve the Police Department, and to answer residents’ questions. The following topics are covered:
- Overview of DOJ’s Patterns or Practice Investigations
- Information on the areas of the investigation into Phoenix
- Summary of the Phoenix investigation to date
- Details on the City’s continuous improvements efforts for the Police Department
- Discussion of next steps and questions from the community
The presentation is available in English and Spanish on the City of Phoenix website at Phoenix.gov/DOJ.
The City has presented at the request of community organizations. In addition to the organization meetings, the City also hosted seven community meetings in Police precinct areas.
Document and Video Sharing Update
The DOJ made four formal requests for production of documents containing 234 specific requests. In response, the City has provided:
- More than 179,258 documents;
- Approximately 20TB of data from multiple systems
- Approximately 22,458 Body Worn Camera (BWC) videos
- Approximately
- Interviews of over 130 City employees
- 200 hours of ride alongs with PPD
Expenses Related to the DOJ Investigation
Since the DOJ opened its investigation in August 2021, the City has spent a little over $7.5 million on costs associated with the investigation as of Dec. 31, 2023. A summary of these expenses include:
- City of Phoenix Personnel: $6 million
- Contracts, Commodities, Misc.: $300,000
- Outside Counsel and Consultants: $1.2 million
More information about the DOJ investigation, including previous information reports, can be found on the City of Phoenix website at Phoenix.gov/DOJ.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager Jeffrey Barton and the Law Department.