Title
Consideration of Citizen Petition Related to Two Special Public Engagements - Lewis
Description
This report provides the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee with information in response to a citizen petition submitted by Ben Lewis at the April 20, 2022 Formal City Council Meeting (Attachment A).
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
The petitioner requests the City Council to direct the City Manager's Office to produce documentation and an account of matters related to on-going investigations involving the Phoenix Police Department and protests that occurred in 2020, and related misconduct of city employees. The petition also requests the City Council to direct the City Manager's Office to produce two special public engagements focused on these topics.
This petition request involves matters that are under current litigation and on-going criminal and administrative investigations. The City is limited in how these topics raised in the petition request should be discussed. Police department employees that may be involved in on-going criminal or administrative investigations are by statute and law entitled to due process rights that are related to any misconduct allegation.
In August 2021, then-City Manager Ed Zuercher disciplined Phoenix Police Chief Williams related to the Ballard Spahr challenge coin and Oct. 17, 2020 protest investigations; other employees are under an on-going administrative investigation. At the conclusion of related protest litigation and investigations, the City will determine what documents are available for public release and not protected by privilege or court order.
Additionally, the City Manager's Office is coordinating with the Mayor and City Council Offices to discuss related, or similar topics raised in your petition, during a future regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by the City Manager's Office and Law Department.