Phoenix Police Department Faces DOJ Investigation for Excessive Force Amid Rising Officer-Involved Shootings
The Phoenix Police Department is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegations of excessive force and discriminatory policing practices. The investigation, which began two years ago, aims to address concerns about the department’s response to behavioral health crises, treatment of the homeless, and allegations of retaliation against protesters.
The probe follows widespread protests and demonstrations that erupted across the nation in the summer of 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Jacob Raiford, a community organizer who has been actively involved in advocating for change, expressed skepticism about the potential for significant reforms. Despite the ongoing investigation, Raiford stated that he feels no safer now than he did two years ago, emphasizing the continued lack of accountability within the Phoenix Police Department.
Disturbingly, officer-involved shootings in Phoenix have been on the rise, with 21 incidents recorded so far this year compared to a total of 24 in the entirety of last year, according to department data. The city is on track to surpass the number of police shootings reported in any year since 2018. Of the 21 shootings this year, 16 suspects were armed with firearms or replica firearms, while 12 were prohibited possessors, meaning they were illegally carrying weapons.
The increasing number of officer-involved shootings has alarmed Kenneth Smith, a high school principal and community organizer with Unity Collective. Smith, who had hoped for positive changes following the DOJ investigation, expressed disappointment at the lack of updates and community involvement in the process. Although there has been a change in police leadership, with Police Chief Jeri Williams retiring and Interim Chief Michael Sullivan assuming the role, doubts remain regarding the potential for lasting reform.
Patricia Pagliuca, a community organizer with Mass Liberation Arizona, also expressed skepticism about the DOJ investigation resulting in meaningful change. She believes that the problems within the Phoenix Police Department are deeply ingrained and extend beyond leadership changes. Pagliuca criticized the Department of Justice, calling its involvement largely theatrical and expressing frustration at the lack of progress over the past two years.
Interim Chief Michael Sullivan acknowledged the initial disputes between Phoenix and the DOJ over sharing sensitive information while complying with federal law. However, he assured the public that the department is now working closely with the DOJ, providing extensive information, including body-worn camera videos and requested documents. Sullivan described the meetings with the DOJ as productive, but the agency declined to provide a timeline for when the investigation will conclude.
As the investigation continues, community organizers and residents of Phoenix remain hopeful that meaningful reforms will be implemented within the police department. However, concerns about the lack of transparency and the increasing number of officer-involved shootings persist. The DOJ investigation, along with community pressure and ongoing activism, will play a vital role in holding the Phoenix Police Department accountable and ensuring lasting change in the pursuit of equitable and unbiased law enforcement.
