Title
Phoenix Police Department Advanced Less Lethal Response Program
Description
This report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee an update on the Phoenix Police Department's Advanced Less Lethal Response Program, which was created to reduce lethal force encounters, while successfully deescalating violent subjects utilizing the CST Penn (40MM) and the PepperBall systems. These tools are not new to the Department, as they are currently being utilized by the Tactical Support Bureau as well as the Downtown Operations Unit. By allowing these systems in a patrol capacity, it provides officers with additional options in order to help resolve high-stress violent encounters outside of the limited tools previously accessible to them.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The Advanced Less Lethal Response Pilot Program was originally approved in February of 2021 by the Community Policy Review Panel, comprised of the leaders of the advisory boards. In October, the Department selected 30 officers which then completed 80 hours of training focused on de-escalation, communication, less-lethal deployment, force options, policy and case law, as well as scenario driven reality-based training. At the conclusion of the training the systems were deployed in two precincts within the City of Phoenix (Mountain View and Cactus Park Precincts). These precincts were selected because they led all other precincts in officer-involved shootings and had high percentages of violent crime areas.
Evaluation of Program Success
Program success was measured by data collected from deployment of these tools in the field, as well as feedback from the officers using them. As of Dec. 31, 2021, the program had 352 deployments between the two systems, with 34 total system discharges.
Another goal of this program is to reduce/eliminate officer involved shootings by providing officers in the field contemporary tools to assist with their decision making in potential violent encounters. It is notable that the Phoenix Police Department had zero officer involved shootings from August of 2021 through December of 2021. Furthermore, there were 13 officer involved shootings in calendar year 2021 which tied a 21-year low for officer involved shootings in the City of Phoenix.
Engagement of Community Representatives
After the initial implementation of the pilot program, the Department presented again to the Community Policy Review Panel to share the findings and gather any additional feedback they may have. The members asked many questions related to the deployments, training and possible future roll-out of the program. The Department then held a demonstration at the Phoenix Regional Police Academy where interested members were able to see the systems in person, and even had the opportunity to operate the weapons systems themselves. The feedback was all very positive, and all board members unanimously agreed that the Phoenix Police Department should expand the program and move into a full rollout.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.