Statement from Phoenix City Manager on DOJ Investigation

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/3201

City Manager

8/27/2024 9:45:00 PM

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Statement from Phoenix City Manager on DOJ Investigation

<div class="ExternalClass29C9CB47A9E1440FAC81AE7940AD5097"><html> Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton released the following statement after meeting this week with the Mayor and City Council: "Just over ten weeks ago, <a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/doj" target="_blank">the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report</a> outlining serious allegations regarding the Phoenix Police Department. Since that time, at the direction of the Mayor and City Council, dozens of staff have worked tirelessly, not only reading and studying the report but identifying, evaluating, and <a target="_blank" href="https://dojrecords.phoenix.gov/">sharing information regarding the incidents cited in the report with the community</a>. Staff conducted a thorough review and analysis of the recommended remedial measures, comparing them with what we currently have in place or in progress. A detailed project plan to address the gaps, using industry-standard best practices, is now underway. Spending this time and energy learning from the past and from others prepares us to improve the future. We look forward to collaborative conversations with the DOJ to identify a plan that works for Phoenix. The City is committed to developing a path that moves our City and its police department forward. This means showing long term and ongoing process improvement, researching and implementing best practices in policing, and holding ourselves and our employees accountable to these standards of excellence. It means improving our data collection and reporting so the community can monitor and follow our progress. Most importantly, it means building trust with all members of our community. Significant change is already underway. Under the new leadership of Interim Chief Michael Sullivan, we’ve overhauled our <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/2958">Use of Force policy with community input</a> and implemented new, gold standard de-escalation training. Ideas that were once aspirational are now part of the fabric of our processes including monitoring of police investigations through the <a target="_blank" href="/accountability">Office of Accountability and Transparency</a> and civilian oversight from the soon to be seated Civilian Review Board. As noted above, an analysis of every recommendation made by the DOJ is currently underway to see where our efforts to change and improve hit the mark and where we need additional improvement to not only meet expectations but exceed them. The results of this analysis will serve as a guide to the City’s long-term path forward. I want to be sure our community knows my office, the Mayor and City Council, and the Police Chief have an unwavering commitment to sustained improvement. Phoenix can do better and will continue to do better. I will settle for nothing less."<a target="_blank" href="/policesite/Documents/DOJ/PPD_RoadtoReform_January2024.pdf" style="font-size:17.3333px;background-color:window;">Read more on the City's police reform efforts.</a> </html></div>

https://www.phoenix.gov/citymanager

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Phoenix City Hall and City Manager Jeff Barton

City Manager

@CityofPhoenixAZ @PhoenixPolice @PHXCityManager

DOJ investigation, DOJ

Ashley Patton, Deputy Director

602-292-3704

ashley.patton@phoenix.gov

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PHXCityManager

Monroe School - Phoenix Then & Now	https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/phxtv/3210	PHXTV	9/10/2024 7:00:00 AM	https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3210/IMG_2637.jpg	https://youtu.be/xh-m-rzHbxA	Monroe School - Phoenix Then & Now	<div class="ExternalClass67380B497F8C419EB1B77B82B636C759"><html> <p><br></p> <span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>When the Monroe School was built 100 years ago it was the most modern grade school in the United States. Designed to accommodate 800 students it was also the largest elementary school west of the Mississippi. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, since 2008 it has been the home of the Children's Museum of Phoenix. <span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><p><br></p></html></div>	https://www.phoenix.gov/phxtv	Video
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City Mourns Loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, Shot in the Line of Duty	https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3207	Police	9/7/2024 12:00:00 AM	https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3207/Newsroom_OfficerZaneCoolidge (1).png		City Mourns Loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, Shot in the Line of Duty	<div class="ExternalClassD84F5F96D1F14FE8B2B03DA355678022"><html> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">With deep sadness and a heavy heart, Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan announced the passing of Officer Zane Coolidge, shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a call.</span> </p> </div> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">“Officer Coolidge’s family is dealing with unimaginable grief. We will do everything we can to help them through their darkest hours, and we pledge that they will always be a part of the Phoenix Police Family. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” Chief Sullivan said when sharing with the community the news of Officer Coolidge’s death.</span> </p> </div> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Officer Coolidge was a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and a dedicated and beloved member of the Phoenix Police Department.</span> </p> </div> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">“I am devastated by the tragic loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, who lost his life while keeping the rest of us safe from harm,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “I know that our entire community is mourning this loss, and on behalf of the City, I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Coolidge’s family and friends, and his brothers and sisters in the Phoenix Police Department.  We will forever honor and remember his bravery and selfless service to our community.”</span> </p> </div> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">On Tuesday evening, Officer Coolidge was with Officer Matthew Haney when they responded to a call of a man trying to break into a vehicle near 16th Street and McDowell. When they approached the man, he ran off, firing at the officers, hitting them both. The officers were rushed to the hospital, while others responded and took the suspect into custody.</span> </p> </div> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Officer Haney was released from the hospital the next day, protected from more serious injury by his ballistic vest.</span> </p> </div> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">“Officer Coolidge has been surrounded by loved ones and blanketed in the prayers of this community since Tuesday night’s shooting,” said Chief Sullivan. “The injuries he sustained after the cowardly acts of another were too much for him to overcome. His legacy will forever be a part of the Phoenix Police Department.”</span> </p> </div> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Officer Coolidge served five years with the Phoenix Police Department. He represents the best of the Department, working as a certified Field Training Officer in the Mountain View Precinct, training those who have just graduated the academy.</span> </p> </div> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">“This is a sad day for the City of Phoenix as we mourn the loss of one of our own,” said City Manager Jeff Barton. “Our hearts go out to the family of Officer Coolidge. Our City grieves with you. Your husband, brother, son and father died a hero, unselfishly sacrificing his life to fulfill his duty to protect and serve.”</span> </p> </div> <div> <p> <span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Details on services to honor Officer Coolidge will be released at a future date.</span> </p> </div> </html></div>	https://phoenix.gov/police	News