U.S. DOJ Finds Civil Rights Violations by the Phoenix Police Department and the City of Phoenix

Nov 22, 2024:

Oct 7, 2024:

Aug 16, 2024:

Source:

Jun 13, 2024:

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the results of a pattern or practice investigation into the Phoenix Police Department and the City of Phoenix.

According to the official DOJ announcement:

Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the Phoenix Police Department (PhxPD) and the City of Phoenix (City) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law.

Specifically, the Department finds that:

  • PhxPD uses excessive force, including unjustified deadly force and other types of force.
  • PhxPD and the City unlawfully detain, cite, and arrest people experiencing homelessness and unlawfully dispose of their belongings. This is the first time the Department has found a pattern or practice of conduct that focuses on the rights of people experiencing homelessness.
  • PhxPD discriminates against Black, Hispanic, and Native American people when enforcing the law.
  • PhxPD violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech and expression.
  • PhxPD and the City discriminate against people with behavioral health disabilities when dispatching calls for assistance and responding to people in crisis.

The Department also described serious concerns about PhxPD's treatment of children. Finally, the Department identified deficiencies in policy, training, supervision, and accountability that contribute to PhxPD and the City's unlawful conduct.

Source:

(June 13, 2024). "Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by Phoenix Police Department and City of Phoenix". justice.gov. Retrieved 2024-12-20

The City of Phoenix has a "Department of Justice Community Resources" webpage with a wealth of information regarding how Phoenix PD and the City of Phoenix are responding to this investigation.

Aug 5, 2021:

The U.S. Department of Justice announced it will conduct a pattern or practice investigation into the Phoenix Police Department and the City of Phoenix.

Source:

(August 21, 2021). "Justice Department Announces Investigation of the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department". justice.gov. Retrieved 2024-12-20

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