Title
Amend Phoenix City Code Chapter 20: Office of Accountability and Transparency (Ordinance G-7258)
Description
Request to approve Ordinance for amendments to Phoenix City Code (PCC) Chapter 20 for the Office of Accountability and Transparency to adopt language to establish a Civilian Review Board and amend portions of PCC Chapter 20 to comply with state law.
Report
Summary
The Phoenix City Council and Mayor established the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT) in 2021 to perform independent civilian oversight of the Phoenix Police Department (Police). OAT monitors Police administrative investigations of incidents involving sworn personnel and provides community members a way to freely communicate complaints, commendations, and concerns about officers and the Police Department without fear of retaliation.
In 2022, state legislators proposed and passed a bill, later codified as Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) 38-1117, that altered the landscape of civilian oversight in Arizona. OAT shifted the scope and manner of its work to remain within the confines of the Code and A.R.S. 38-1117. However, to align OAT’s practice, Phoenix City Code (PCC) sections 20-1 through 20-13 require amendments eliminating reference to OAT conducting investigations or influencing officer discipline.
The Ordinance also establishes a Civilian Review Board (Board) to further OAT’s work.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
At the March 19, 2024 Policy Session, Staff requested City Council direction on the proposed amendments to current PCC Chapter 20, sections 20-1 to 20-13 and suggested additions of sections 20-14 through 20-17 to establish the Civilian Review Board.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer, the Office of Accountability and Transparency, the City Manager's Office and the Law Department.