Vice Mayor O'Brien's Statement on DOJ Closing Phoenix PD Investigation

During a recent meeting at the White House, I asked that the U.S. Department of Justice put a period at the end of the sentence in the investigation into the Phoenix Police Department. I explained how much progress our department has made—and continues to make—to better serve our community.  

Now, more than three years after the federal investigation was launched, I am pleased to share the Department of Justice has closed its investigation into the Phoenix Police Department. 

I have full trust in our city leaders and the Police Department to maintain our momentum as we strive to make the Phoenix Police Department the best in the country. We don’t always get it right, but we learn from our mistakes, and we make the necessary changes to improve.   

The Police Department released an extensive Road to Reform report which outlines changes that have been made and that are being planned.

Some changes include:

·        Updated use of force standards.

·        Expansion of less-lethal tools.

·        Thoroughly documenting police activity and regularly auditing reports.

·        Proposed policy changes are shared publicly to gather input.

·        Created the Office of Accountability and Transparency to provide civilian oversight of administrative investigative of misconduct allegations and receive community feedback regarding complaints, concerns and other commendations.

·        Created the Civilian Review Board to work in tandem with the Office of Accountability and Transparency to review police administrative investigations and recommend policy changes.

·        Created a new policy for First Amendment response that allows demonstrators and police officers to outline goals and create lines of communication.

·        Updated training for crisis intervention and citywide expansion of community assistance program (CAP), run by the Fire Department, which sends licensed professionals to respond as soon as it’s safe.

·        Created the Office of Homeless Solutions to execute a comprehensive plan for providing services to our most vulnerable residents and reducing interactions with law enforcement. 

We are not finished. In September of last year, the Council unanimously voted to continue making progress in making a better police department by committing to future policy changes, investment in non-lethal tools, and updates to necessary technology to keep the citizens of Phoenix safe. We are committed to continuously assessing and improving all aspects of service to the community.

For example, a youth survey is currently underway so that children, parents, and guardians can share their experiences, perceptions of law-enforcement, and priorities for youth-related policies. And the department will expand its body-worn cameras to include the special assignments unit. I encourage all residents to learn more about the improvements that have been made by reading, listening or watching the presentation.

I have always been a strong proponent that the City Council is capable of making necessary changes without costly federal oversight and expressed that during my recent visit to the White House. As of this morning, it would appear the White House agrees. Phoenix is capable of self-correction.

Media Contact: Derrik Rochwalik, Councilwoman O'Brien's Chief of Staff, derrik.rochwalik@phoenix.gov, call or text (480)202-7347.

About District 1
District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Councilwoman Ann O’Brien was elected in November 2020 and took office in April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit Phoenix.gov/District1.