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U.S. Dept. of Justice ends Phoenix Police probe
The U.S. Department of Justice is officially dropping its investigation into the Phoenix Police Department, as well as retracting the Biden administration's findings. FOX 10's Lauren Clark has more.
PHOENIX - The Department of Justice says it's closing its multi-year investigation into the Phoenix Police Department.
What they're saying:
The DOJ says it is also "retracting the Biden administration's findings of constitutional violations" into the department.
"The decrees would’ve micromanaged local policing, from hiring to training, under unelected monitors, costing millions and stripping power from communities," the DOJ said in a statement. "This Justice Department remains committed to prosecuting real misconduct, not politicizing policing."
Many were not surprised with the move. In fact, the move was expected following the November 2024 election that elected Donald Trump to a second term in office.
New administration in the White House could impact the Phoenix Police investigation by the DOJ
A big change is ahead at the White House, but the impact will be felt nationwide and including right here in Phoenix. A new administration means a new Attorney General will be put in place.
The backstory:
The investigation began in 2021, when then-Attorney General Merrick Garland announced an investigation into the Phoenix Police Department. The announcement came after a series of incidents involving use of force. In some cases, the incident was deadly.
Nearly three years later, a scathing 126-page report was released. Per the report, "systematic" issues were found in the department, including discrimination against people of color and the homeless, and violations of constitutional rights. The Dept. of Justice pushed for the city to sign what is called a Consent Decree, a federal monitorin g system used after an investigation concludes police reform is needed.
The city, however, pushed back, pointing to costly and lengthy Consent Decrees issued in the past. Police officials, along with others, also slammed the findings, claiming they were exaggerated and politically motivated.
Justice Dept. finds Phoenix police has pattern of civil rights violations, discrimination and excessive force
Phoenix police discriminate against Black, Hispanic and Native American people, unlawfully detain homeless people and use excessive force, including unjustified deadly force, according to a sweeping federal civil rights investigation of law enforcement in the nation’s fifth-largest city.
Phoenix Law Enforcement Association statement
"The federal government abandoning the Phoenix investigation is a clear vindication for the City and our department, but it is just the beginning. From what we now know of the DOJ's fraudulent investigative practices in the Phoenix investigation, thanks to a new report by Dr. Travis Yates and Dr. JC Chaix, one thing has become clear and indisputable - oversight of local police departments by the federal government simply does not work, and the evidence for that over the past 30 years is conclusive. At a minimum, it is ineffective and misguided - as we have seen in Phoenix - but moreover, it is inefficient. A small group of 30-plus attorneys in Washington DC, who know nothing of policing, cannot be an effective oversight mechanism for 17,000 police agencies nationwide. There is a better way, and we have a plan to enhance police oversight around the country and make it efficient, fair, and most of all - effective."
"We thank members of the Phoenix City Council, local elected leaders, and the community for supporting our officers and fighting against the DOJ's abhorrent attempt to control law enforcement. The men and women who serve in the Phoenix Police Department deserve our thanks and praise for sacrificing their lives each day for our community."
What's next:
The DOJ says it is also dismissing lawsuits against police departments in Kentucky and Minnesota. Investigations
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