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 (DOJ) announced its investigation into the Phoenix Police Department on August 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, January 19, March 23, April 27, May 25, June 29, September 28, October 26, November 30, and December 28, 2023, as well as February 1, 2024.
The DOJ published a report containing allegations of constitutional violations against the City of Phoenix and PPD on June 13, 2024. City staff identified many of the events the DOJ described in its report and published a website containing records associated with the identified incidents, which is available at dojrecords.phoenix.gov. Staff conducted a thorough review and analysis of the recommended remedial measures, comparing them with what we currently have in place or in progress. A detailed project plan to address the gaps, using industry-standard best practices, is now underway.
The City looks forward to collaborative conversations with the DOJ to identify a plan that works for Phoenix. The City is committed to developing a path that moves the City and its police department forward. This means showing long term and ongoing process improvement, researching and implementing best practices in policing, and holding ourselves and our employees accountable to these standards of excellence. It means improving our data collection and reporting so the community can monitor and follow our progress. Most importantly, it means building trust with all members of our community.
Significant change is already underway. Under the new leadership of Interim Chief Michael Sullivan, PD staff have overhauled the department's Use of Force policy with community input and implemented new, gold standard de-escalation training. Ideas that were once aspirational, are now part of the fabric of our processes including reviewing police investigations through the Office of Accountability and Transparency and civilian oversight from the soon to be seated Civilian Review Board. As noted above, an analysis of every recommendation made by the DOJ is currently underway to see where the City's efforts to change and improve to not only meet expectations but exceed them. The results of this analysis will serve as a guide to the City’s long-term path forward.
Expenses Related to the DOJ Investigation
Since the DOJ opened its investigation in August 2021, the City has spent a little over $10.6 million on costs associated with the investigation as of June 30, 2024. A summary of these expenses include:
- City of Phoenix Personnel: $8.6 million
- Contracts, Commodities, Misc.: $450,000
- Outside Counsel and Consultants: $1.6 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.