Title
Phoenix Police Department MOU with Department of Public Safety for Critical Incidents
Description
This item provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee with an overview of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) related to investigations of critical incidents.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
During interactions with members of the public, most police and citizen interactions take place without incident. However, some interactions result in physical altercations, officer-involved shootings, or other types of critical incidents. During these situations, a clear and informed framework for addressing use of force issues is important for both public safety and the general public to enhance the communities' awareness and trust.
In support of these efforts, effective June 30, 2025, ARS 41-1762 (HB2650) will require that all police departments in Arizona use an independent agency to investigate critical force incidents within the respective departments. As a result, PPD has entered into an agreement with DPS Major Incident Division (MID) to assume all investigations into officer involved shootings, in-custody deaths, and any incidents deemed worthy by the Police Chief.
Key Points of MOU
- MID teams will be notified by PPD of any critical incident. MID will assume the investigations with the assistance of a PPD Homicide Supervisor liaison, which will aide in obtaining any needed information. Most of the current practices by PPD will remain in place.
- During their investigation DPS will reach out to the City of Phoenix Human Services Family Advocacy Center to have a Family Liaison assigned to the family.
- Public Affairs Bureau will assume the initial calls from the media, and will transition to DPS once officer interviews are complete. PPD has the discretion to release information for any emerging urgent purpose.
- DPS will honor PPD’s Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video protocols and give any information needed to complete the video within the 14-day time frame.
- Public records requests for information created by PPD will be fulfilled by PPD; however, any reports, photos, or evidence regarding the investigations created by DPS will be referred to DPS.
- Professional Standards Bureau investigations will remain the same.
- Any disagreements over the investigation will be handled at the Assistant Chief or Chief level from both respective agencies.
- DPS will inform PPD of Maricopa County Attorney's Office findings letter when received.
Contract Term
The MOU shall become effective on the last date of execution by the Parties and may be terminated upon 30 days notice by mutual agreement of the Parties.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.