PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix police were found to engage in discriminatory practices against Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals, as well as unlawfully detaining homeless individuals and using excessive force, including unjustified deadly force. A federal civil rights investigation of law enforcement in the fifth-largest city in the nation revealed these troubling findings.
The report released by the U.S. Justice Department on Thursday highlighted stark racial disparities in how officers with the Phoenix Police Department enforce certain laws, particularly low-level drug and traffic offenses. Unjustified use of deadly force, delayed medical care for individuals injured during encounters with officers, and discriminatory practices were among the key issues identified.
While the report did not mention specific plans for court-enforced reform, the Justice Department official indicated that similar cases have seen the implementation of consent decrees to enact necessary changes. The investigation received backlash from the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, with a top union official criticizing it as a “farce” and expressing concerns about its impact on officer morale.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego stated that city officials would convene on June 25 to assess the findings and determine next steps. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the report as a crucial step towards accountability and transparency, emphasizing the department’s commitment to meaningful reform that protects civil rights and enhances police-community trust.
The Justice Department pointed out that Phoenix officers displayed disparities in enforcing laws related to low-level drug and traffic offenses, loitering, and trespassing. Separate statistics revealed the disproportionate treatment of Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals compared to white individuals engaging in similar conduct.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke criticized the city for over-policing homeless individuals, emphasizing the need for reforms to reduce arrests without reasonable suspicion. Litigation remains an option if the Justice Department fails to secure a consent decree for necessary reforms.
Overall, the report shed light on systemic problems within the Phoenix Police Department, underscoring the urgency of addressing issues related to excessive force, discrimination, and civil rights violations.
Associated Press reporters Rio Yamat in Las Vegas; Anita Snow in Phoenix; and Alanna Durkin Richer Washington, D.C., contributed to this story.
