The City of Phoenix, Arizona, is facing scrutiny after a recent Justice Department report revealed patterns of unconstitutional policing practices within the Phoenix Police Department. According to the 126-page report released on Thursday, federal investigators found that the police force routinely uses excessive force and discriminates against Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals, creating a volatile environment and violating the rights of people who are homeless.
Unlike other cities that have responded to similar investigations by cooperating with federal oversight, Phoenix officials have publicly questioned the Justice Department probe, raising concerns about the city’s willingness to accept the findings. The possibility of a legal battle looms as the Justice Department may seek court orders to enforce federal supervision over the local agency, sparking debates on police reform and accountability.
The investigation into the Phoenix police began in August 2021, following similar probes into the police departments in Minneapolis and Louisville. These “pattern or practice” probes scrutinize various aspects of local police departments, including training protocols, use-of-force policies, and accountability structures. The findings typically lead to court-approved agreements known as consent decrees, outlining specific actions for reform under federal monitoring.
Despite the city’s pushback on the need for a consent decree, the Justice Department’s report highlighted the necessity for reforms to address entrenched unlawful practices. The report emphasized the need for true accountability and outlined initial remedial measures aimed at improving use of force policies, oversight, and training within the Phoenix Police Department.
Moreover, the federal report noted significant disparities in enforcement tactics, with officers treating Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals differently than White individuals. The report highlighted instances of unconstitutional policing towards people who are homeless, including detention without reasonable suspicion and property destruction without proper notice.
As the City of Phoenix grapples with the findings of the Justice Department report, city officials are set to review the report’s implications and discuss potential next steps. The release of the report has reignited discussions on police reform and accountability, underscoring the need for meaningful changes to ensure fair, nondiscriminatory, and constitutional policing for all residents of Phoenix.