PHX Newsroom Feature Enhancements

2024 Year-in-Review

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3319

Police

1/8/2025 2:00:00 PM

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2024 Year-in-Review

<div class="ExternalClassC318360605704BF38B1C18329B84EE8E"><html> The past year has been one full of successes, challenges, and heartbreak for the Phoenix Police Department. As we close out 2024, we are hopeful for a safe and positive 2025 as we continue to serve our community with excellence. This year, the Phoenix Police Department suffered the loss of one of our own. Officer Zane Coolidge, a young officer, husband, father, son, and friend, was shot in the line of duty and taken from us too soon. We must remember the sacrifice and the danger that officers face to keep our community safe. It is important that we continue to show support for those out there doing this difficult work every day, and their families.Despite our staffing challenges, the sworn and professional staff of this Department have devoted themselves to preventing, reducing, and solving crime. We remain victim-centered, and community engaged. The Phoenix Police Department will continue to strive to be a self-assessing and self-correcting agency while looking for additional ways to increase accountability and transparency. CRIME TRENDS The City of Phoenix saw a decline in crime across several categories reported in the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Final numbers will be available in the first quarter of 2025, but overall crime is estimated to be down approximately 4%, with homicides expected to see a significant decrease of around 28%. An important element of fighting crime is community involvement. We continue to focus on community engagement and increasing the public's trust. We believe these efforts have contributed to our success in reducing, preventing, and solving crime.In June, after months of work from the Department's sworn and professional staff, we unveiled the <a style="background-color:window;font-size:10pt;" target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3125">2024 Crime Reduction Plan</a>. The Crime Reduction Plan focuses on preventing and minimizing criminal activity in Phoenix, while striving to enhance the quality of life for both businesses and residents. Like the previous year's plan, the 2024 plan has the same strategic priorities of focusing on the most violent offenders, the most active areas, prohibited gun possessors and those with warrants. Additionally, it relies on data driven strategies, lessons learned and emerging trends we saw in 2023 that indicated a need to address the fentanyl epidemic and the increase in juvenile violent crime. To that end, the Department has seen a decrease in homicides involving juveniles. During 2023, 23 juveniles were arrested for homicide. In 2024, that number dropped to 7. The number of juvenile homicide victims also decreased from 23 to 15. The Department participated in many successful investigations this year. Here are just a few highlights: <ul dir="" class="" style=""> <li> <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3077">Operation Makeup Breakup</a> was an organized retail theft investigation that took place in the spring of 2024, making multiple arrests and recovering thousands of dollars in stolen property. </li> <li>In May, a five-day, multi-agency initiative, <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3106">Operation Full Court Press</a>, took place to proactively addressed violent offenders in Phoenix. During the operation, 570 arrests were made, over 3,700 fentanyl pills seized, nearly 30 grams of methamphetamine seized, and 25 firearms seized. </li> <li>The Department partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office for a nearly two-year investigation into <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3219">a hotel</a> in the northern part of our city that was operating as a brothel. The investigation resulted in the shutdown of the hotel, a seizure of the property and warrants being issued for its owner and manager. A huge win for that neighborhood. </li> <li>In October, Phoenix Police arrested two individuals who were responsible for <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3239">burglaries</a> targeting stores across Phoenix and Glendale. Their crime spree resulted in approximately $315,000 worth of stolen goods and caused around $150,000 in property damage. </li> <li>For nearly a year, the Phoenix Police Department and federal law enforcement partners joined forces for <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3271">Operation Night Owl</a>, a complex drug, money laundering and conspiracy investigation. The investigation resulted in hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs, thousands of dollars, and dozens of firearms being taken off the streets. </li> <li>After 18 years, an arrest was made in February 2024 in the case of <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3029">Baby Syklar</a>. The case began in 2005 when a newborn baby girl who was found deceased at Sky Harbor International Airport. This was one of many cold cases solved by arrest this year. Our investigators never give up on finding answers for the families and getting justice for victims of violent crimes. </li> </ul> RECRUITMENT Staffing the Phoenix Police Department remained a challenge in 2024. Recruitment efforts for sworn personnel remain strong with the emphasis placed on finding the best and brightest who have the qualities, skills, and desire to serve and represent our amazing Phoenix community. Along with television, radio, print and digital advertisement, Phoenix Police forged partnerships with Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Arizona Christian University and Arizona Diamondbacks to showcase the career possibilities available with Phoenix Police. In 2024, the Department took in 2,274 applications for sworn police officers with 158 individuals ultimately starting the Phoenix Police Academy. RESERVE DIVISION In 2024, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.phoenixpolicereserve.org/">Phoenix Police Department's Reserve Division</a> continued its vital role in law enforcement. The Division is made up of 138 officers, detectives, and supervisors, who are integrated into daily operations and special events. The Reserve Division staffed 95 major events, including the NCAA Final Four, while providing 42,316 hours of service valued at over $5.3 million. Reserve officers work in areas such as Patrol, Homeland Defense, and Specialized Units, seamlessly supporting career counterparts during emergencies and special events. This year also marked the graduation of Reserve Academy Class R73, whose recruits are now contributing across multiple precincts. Reserve officers undergo the same hiring, background checks, and AZPOST training as career officers. Many are former career officers who bring specialized skills and decades of experience, contributing a combined 40,000 hours each year in service. The Phoenix Police Reserve Foundation enhances the Reserve Division by funding critical equipment, academy uniforms, and scholarships. In 2024, the foundation provided ballistic vests, two Ford trucks for Reserve detectives, and other resources that strengthen the division's commitment to safety and community service. ASSAULTS ON OFFICERS Although violent crime is trending down in our community, violence towards our officers is on the rise. It is a troubling and unacceptable trend. This year we experienced the tragic on duty loss of <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3207">Officer Zane Coolidge</a>. In that same incident, Officer Matthew Haney was also shot. Thankfully, he is on the road to recovery. The trend of officers being shot did not end there.This year, there were 14 incidents where officers were on the receiving end of gunfire. Officer Coolidge lost his life, and 4 others were injured. Additionally, an officer was seriously injured during an incident when a suspect stabbed the officer. These incidents represent a complete disregard for law enforcement, the important role officers play in our community and the sanctity of life. Despite these violent attacks our officer-involved shootings were down from last year. We have trained our officers well and will continue to take the next steps in advanced training to minimize the risk to our community members and officers as they put their lives on the line every day and night to keep our community safe. NEVER TOO LATE TO HONOR OUR FALLEN In the words of Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan, “It's never too late to do the right thing." And that's just what Phoenix PD did in 2024. Fallen Officer David “Star" Johnson was recognized for the sacrifice he made while serving the community of Phoenix 80 years ago. On May 2, 1944, Officer Johnson was working the walking beat near 200 E. Jefferson Street when he made a traffic stop that led to an argument. Tragically, he was shot and killed in the line of duty. Although he was the second Phoenix police officer to lose his life in the line of duty, his death was never officially recognized, until this year. Thanks to the extensive research done by Department Historians Sergeant Vincent Cole, and retired Lieutenant Rob Settembre, as well as the efforts by the Executive Team, and City leadership, Officer Johnson received recognition this year from both the City and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.A <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3051">documentary</a> was released in the spring about Officer Johnson's story and a <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3092">historical marker</a> was placed near the site of the shooting on the 80th anniversary of his passing. VICTIMS RIGHTS One of the guiding principles of the 2024 Crime Plan is for the Department to be victim centered. In line with that principle, in August a new customer service tool was launched to enhance communication with crime victims. The new <a target="_blank" href="/police/victim-rights">Victim Information Portal</a> provides 24/7 access to information to victims about their case, along with automatic alerts and updates regarding arrests sent via text or email. The Department also completed a significant renovation to the Phoenix Family Advocacy Center to improve the atmosphere when we serve our most vulnerable victims of domestic violence, sexual assault,and child crimes. This was made possible by the Phoenix Police Foundation and the City of Phoenix, including the Mayor and Council. DOJ INVESTIGATION In June, the Department of Justice released its <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3129">findings report</a> after a nearly three year investigation into the City and the Police Department. The City took time to review and digest the report. In August, the City released an interactive <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3188">website</a> that provides materials related to incidents identified by the DOJ. City officials continue productive discussions with Department of Justice officials.The City of Phoenix remains committed to developing a path that moves our city and its police department forward. These improvements include but are not limited to what was outlined at the September 24, 2024, <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/st9rtBk3xLw">policy session</a> during which Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council unanimously adopted a series of measures to increase police accountability and transparency and improve public safety. The Department has already completed several of these initiatives and have many other in progress. A comprehensive outline of the status of these measures was <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/city-manager/3298">presented to the City Council on Wednesday, December 10, 2024.</a> These measures will be incorporated into a longer-term plan that is currently being developed. The Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Police Chief remain focused on continuous improvement in our responsibility to serve and protect the community while building trust through transparent, and effective and constitutional law enforcement practices. NEW TECHNOLOGY In 2024, two Real Time Operation Centers (RTOC) opened. A RTOC leverages the use of technology to fight crime in a designated area of a precinct. In January, <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3053">Cactus Park Precinct's RTOC</a> went fully operational targeting the 27th Avenue Corridor. In August, the <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3199">Desert Horizon Precinct's RTOC</a> launched to help fight and deter crime along the 19th Avenue Corridor. The use of this technology immediately aided in reducing crime, improving case solvability, locating outstanding suspects, and has assisted in proactive crime suppression efforts. It has been a force multiplier in the citywide collaborative efforts of the Community Safety Plans, improving quality of life for residents and businesses in the project boundaries.On November 1, 2024, the Department added <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3263">two new incident types</a> to the online reporting system. Theft from a business and graffiti were added to the list of crimes that can be reported through our online reporting system. The addition of 'theft from a business' will allow for more efficient reporting and thus saving critical time rather than waiting for an officer to arrive on scene. Over the summer, the Special Assignments Unit (SAU) began using a new agile mobile robot that resembles a dog. Its name is <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/police/3168">Spot</a>. After months of training, Spot joined the collection of tools that SAU has available to assist them during tactical situations. The robot provides new abilities that other technology does not, such as the ability to open doors, traverse uneven or loose terrain and climb stairs. The robot is equipped with multiple cameras, giving officers the ability to see in real-time the area it is in. All the features that Spot has the capability of can help provide better service to the community and improve officer safety during high-risk incidents. NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Once again, the Valley was host to large sporting events, putting Phoenix in the national spotlight. In April, we hosted the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four tournament along with the Final Four Fan Fest, Men's Final Four Dribble and the March Madness Music Festival all held in Phoenix. Over the summer, Phoenix hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, bringing fans into the downtown area for three days of events. These major events take months of planning and multiple agencies working together. Both major events went off without a hitch and had no major security incidents. The success of these national events is a testament to the working relationships with our federal, state, county, and local partners. These partnerships have become the model, nationwide, for these types of large events. COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT There are a number of events throughout the year the Department takes part in around our city to engage with our community. Our Community Action Officers (CAO's) remain active in their precincts and have become an integral part of reducing and solving crime through their constant engagement and community trust building activities. Currently, there are 12 <a target="_blank" href="/police/resources-information/citizen-advisory-boards">Police Chief's Advisory Boards</a> representing multiple communities within Phoenix. Quarterly meetings are held with these groups and members assist with other events throughout the year. This is a great way for our officers to connect with the 12 specific communities. Over the year, the <a target="_blank" href="/policesite/Pages/cool_treats.aspx">Cool Treats Van</a>, a van that passes out dairy-free frozen treats, attended 170 events around Phoenix. Throughout the fall, over 80 <a target="_blank" href="/police/resources-information/gain">G.A.I.N.</a> (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) events were held. These events showcase the importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight for a safer Arizona. Multiple drug take back events were coordinated throughout the year. During the October event, in partnership with our police precincts and the Drug Enforcement Administration, 661 pounds of medications was collected and properly disposed of. NEW FACILITIES IN 2025 Work on the new Phoenix Police Headquarters has continued throughout the year. It is expected that in 2025 employees will start to move into the new building located at 100 W. Washington Street.During 2024, a location was identified for a new Cactus Park Precinct building. In 2025, we look forward to a groundbreaking for the new public safety building on the southeast corner of 31st Avenue and Thunderbird Road. The Phoenix Police Department is grateful for the community support and engagement. Because of that incredible partnership we have one of the safest major cities in the country. As we look forward to another year of continuous improvement, we renew our vow to strengthen our partnership with our community, increase transparency and continue the outstanding service Phoenix deserves. </html></div>

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Critical Incident Briefing - December 18, 2024 - 2800 W. Thunderbird

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3312

Police

1/2/2025 10:00:00 PM

https://youtu.be/2-oPTUiXnqI

Critical Incident Briefing - December 18, 2024 - 2800 W. Thunderbird

<div class="ExternalClass3CDE39AE693E487495DCF72B49E9F363"><html>WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised. The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on December 18, 2024. This incident took place at a local fast-food restaurant near 2800 West Thunderbird Road around 11:20 a.m. Multiple people called 911 to report a man carrying a rifle into the restaurant. At the time, there were several employees and at least one customer inside. The man ordered everyone to leave the restaurant as he walked around with the rifle. Everyone was out of the restaurant when police arrived and surrounded the building. A stand-off between the man and police began and lasted for more than 20 minutes. At one point during the standoff, the man walked out of the restaurant and pointed a firearm at the police helicopter overhead. When he went back inside, on three separate times the man fired the rifle toward officers though the glass windows of the restaurant. At least two of the times, officers returned fire. During the shootings, one marked patrol car was struck by gunfire. No officers were injured. A police drone was sent into the building. When the suspect saw the drone, he raised his rifle. Officers outside the restaurant shot at the man striking him. Officers with the Special Assignment Unit went into the business and determined that no one else was inside. They then began life-saving measures on the shooter. Phoenix Fire personnel responded and pronounced the man dead on scene. The rifle used by the man was recovered on scene. Five officers returned fire at the suspect during this incident. All the officers involved in this shooting work in the Cactus Park Precinct and have between two and 24 years of service with the Phoenix Police Department. This incident is the subject of a criminal investigation to be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. It is also the subject of an administrative investigation. Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. </html></div>

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Critical Incident Briefing - December 2, 2024 - 20th Street and Union Hills Drive

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3301

Police

12/16/2024 10:00:00 PM

https://youtu.be/pY3cNo-ZHC4

Critical Incident Briefing - December 2, 2024 - 20th Street and Union Hills Drive

<div class="ExternalClassF5DB0E362C8142FA8AB79AC35E08C0B5"><html>WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised. The Phoenix Police Department released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on December 2, 2024. This incident began in the area of 20th Street and Union Hills Drive when Phoenix police officers responded to a domestic violence call at a home. The caller told the 911 operator that her adult son was on drugs and had been arguing with her all day. The caller said she had taken a knife away from him earlier in the day and that he was still at the home. On their way to the call, officers did a records check which showed the caller's son had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. When officers arrived, they knocked on the door and were met by a man and woman. Both of them motioned for officers to come in. The woman told officers her son had two knives and he was in the bedroom. The officers told the woman to leave the home, but she stayed inside and made her way into the living room. Officers saw a man in the threshold of one of the bedrooms and ordered the man to show his hands. The man then came out of the bedroom with a knife in one hand and an object in the other. Officers order him to drop the knife, but the man refused to do so and walked toward the living room. One of the officers fired his handgun, striking the man, who then ran into a bedroom. While the man was inside the room, the man dropped the knife and threw an object onto the kitchen floor. When he came out of the room, officers gave commands for him to get on the ground, but he did not fully comply. Officers move up through the living room and used a Taser on the man to get him into handcuffs. After the man was handcuffed, the fire department responded and transported him to the hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his arm and released. The man was interviewed by detectives and booked into jail on multiple felonies to include aggravated assault. No one else was injured during the incident. The knife used by the suspect was found in one of the bedrooms. A pepper spray bottle was also found on the kitchen floor. The officer involved in this incident is assigned to the Black Mountain Precinct and has been with the department for over 23 years. Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Public records law required redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. This is why you may see some parts of Body Worn Camera (BWC) blurred or covered with a black box. Redacted video is released to local media in conjunction with the release of this Critical Incident Briefing for independent review and publication. Complete, unedited versions of the BWC are released to attorneys and the courts as evidence in a criminal case. </html></div>

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Critical Incident Briefing - November 28, 2024 - 8300 W Osborn Rd

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3300

Police

12/12/2024 10:00:00 PM

https://youtu.be/K1NsHj04tLo

Critical Incident Briefing - November 28, 2024 - 8300 W Osborn Rd

<div class="ExternalClassDA71B0A835044625BD7D1D7271F1A615"><html> WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised. The Phoenix Police Department released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on November 28, 2024. This incident began in the area of 83rd Avenue and McDowell Road when Phoenix Police officers responded to a fight call. The caller was following someone in a car that they knew, who had been harassing the caller's family member. The caller later said they were worried the man driving the car had a gun. Officers located the vehicle described by the caller and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and accelerated at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue the vehicle and lost sight of it. Officers circulated the area where the car was last seen. An officer spotted the SUV parked in front of a house near 83rd Avenue and Osborn Road. The driver's side door of the car was open, but no one was inside. As the officer approached the house, he heard a gunshot. Shortly after the gunshot, people inside the home came outside and talked to the officer. They told him a man was in their backyard and had fired a gun at one of them. Additional officers arrived and began to surround the house. One of the officers saw the suspect in the backyard of the home. The man was observed walking towards officers with a gun in his hand. The man raised the gun at which time one officer fired his rifle. Evidence found at the scene shows the suspect fired his gun during the confrontation with officers. Following the shooting, an Arwen 37mm launcher was used to safely approach the man. An Arwen is a 37mm launcher that fires a less-lethal direct impact baton which is designed to deliver pain compliance. This tool is only used by members of the Tactical Support Bureau. The man did not survive his injuries and died on scene. A handgun was recovered next to where the man was found. The officer involved in this shooting is assigned to the Maryvale-Estrella Mountain Precinct and has approximately 7 years of service with the Department. Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Public records law required redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. This is why you may see some parts of Body Worn Camera (BWC) blurred or covered with a black box. Redacted video is released to local media in conjunction with the release of this Critical Incident Briefing for independent review and publication. Complete, unedited versions of the BWC are released to attorneys and the courts as evidence in a criminal case. </html></div>

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Holiday Safety and Crime Prevention Tips

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3295

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11/27/2024 5:00:00 PM

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Holiday Safety and Crime Prevention Tips

<div class="ExternalClassD45CE7962AAC4DC3A9E2D58321C522E5"><html> As the holiday season approaches, the Phoenix Police Department is sharing vital safety tips to help residents protect their homes, belongings and loved ones. Whether you're traveling, shopping or enjoying festivities at home, these tips can help ensure a safe and joyful holiday season. Online shopping is convenient, but packages left on your doorstep can attract thieves. Protect your deliveries with these simple tips: <ul> <li> Schedule deliveries for when someone is home or have them sent to your workplace. </li> <li> Ask a neighbor to pick up your packages. </li> <li> Track your packages so you know when to expect them. </li> <li> Install security cameras for added protection and register your systems with <a href="/police/virtualblockwatch" target="_blank">Virtual Block Watch.</a> </li> </ul> “Some online retailers use branded big box trucks, but some don't," said Sergeant Rob Scherer. “Many seasonal employees deliver this stuff in their personal cars, so be vigilant about that, recognize people that seem like they don't belong. If their head seems on a swivel that lends you to believe they're looking for something to take, that's when you call 911, that's when you let neighbors know something might be up." Crowded malls and busy parking lots are common during the holidays. Stay safe while shopping with these tips: <ul> <li>Be aware of your surroundings at all times and limit distractions, like cell phones.</li> <li>Park in well-lit areas, lock your car and hide gifts and bags in the trunk or away from view.</li> <li>Have your keys ready when heading to your car and lock the doors immediately after getting in.</li> </ul> "It's a crime of opportunity," Sgt. Scherer said. “If I'm a criminal and I'm rolling by your car and I don't see readily available elements to take, I'm probably not going to mess with your car. If I see them out, it's almost like a beacon to criminals." Criminals often take advantage of the holiday spirit, so be cautious of fake solicitors or couriers: <ul> <li>Always verify the identity of anyone coming to your door.</li> <li>Donate only to trusted charities and never share personal or financial information with strangers.</li> </ul> Scammers often prey on people's goodwill during the holidays. Keep these tips in mind: <ul> <li> Don't share personal or financial information over the phone. </li> <li>Remember that government agencies will never call asking for payment.</li> <li>Consider placing a “No Soliciting" sign on your property.</li> </ul> Before you pack your bags, take these precautions before you leave: <ul> <li>Lock It Up: Ensure all doors and windows are locked securely.</li> <li>Neighbors Can Help: Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home, collect your mail, and park in your driveway occasionally.</li> <li> Set Timers: Use automatic timers for lights, radios, or TVs to make your home look occupied. </li> <li> Stop Deliveries: Pause your mail and package deliveries or ask someone to collect them. </li> </ul> Don't let a Grinch steal your holiday cheer! Keep your decorations safe: <ul> <li>Turn off outdoor light displays at night.</li> <li>Use security cameras and motion-activated lights to monitor your yard.</li> <li> Stay connected with neighbors and neighborhood apps to stay informed about suspicious activity. </li> </ul> By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and happy holiday season for yourself and your community. If you see any suspicious activity, don't hesitate to call 911. For more safety tips and resources, visit Phoenix PD's <a href="http://phoenix.gov/police" target="_blank">website </a>or follow us on social media. </html></div>

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Phoenix Police Crime Lab Significantly Reduces Backlog of Sexual Assault Kits

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3290

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11/23/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Phoenix Police Crime Lab Significantly Reduces Backlog of Sexual Assault Kits

<div class="ExternalClass0A8AA36B0C6A4B4E9672543358E30BB5"><html> The Phoenix Police Department recognizes the profound impact that sexual assaults have on victims. Over the last nine years we have participated in a Sexual Assault Working Group lead by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, the AZ Governor's Task Force on Sexual Assault, and formed a sexual assault response team. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting survivors in a victim centered and trauma informed response to sexual assault. A key component of this initiative has been the remodeling of our Family Advocacy Center which provides a safe and supportive environment for victims to navigate the trauma they have experienced. The department also implemented a sexual assault kit (SAK) tracking system in 2016 which predates the state tracking requirement by two years. The department continues to actively focus on increasing the engagement with victims through multiple technology solutions including a victims' portal in 2025 for sexual assault cases. The Phoenix Police Department led the adoption of a “test all" policy in the state of Arizona for the testing of SAKs and has maintained this practice over the past eight years. During this time, the department has consistently utilized advanced analytical techniques, based on national best practices, to ensure thorough and effective processing of all submitted SAKs to include all previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits dating back to 1978. Thanks to an approval in September 2023 by the Mayor and City Council that increased the ability for the outsourcing of SAKs, the Phoenix Police Department has made significant progress in addressing the backlog of pending cases. This has enabled the department to test hundreds of SAKs and clear out a significant number of the 800 SAKs that were pending while receiving an average of approximately 50 new SAKs each month. Since then, 930 SAKs have been tested, reducing the backlog of untested pending SAKs to 160 with the majority of those expected to be sent out for processing in the next month. In the last eight years, the department has processed over 6,000 SAKs. “Solving these terrible crimes is one of our highest priorities, and I'm proud of the progress we've made to cut the sexual assault kit backlog," Mayor Kate Gallego, who has pushed for reducing the backlog since her time as a City Councilmember, said. “We're going to eliminate the backlog once and for all—and keep it there." Assistant Crime Lab Administrator Ben Swanholm emphasized the critical role of support from city leadership: “The Mayor and Phoenix City Council provided great support for the laboratory and its operations to reduce the backlog of sexual assault kits and provide high quality forensic science services to all crimes and victims of crimes in the City of Phoenix." Staffing Along with the outsourcing of SAK testing, the laboratory has worked to fill vacancies and hire more forensic scientists with the goal to increase processing capacity to process all kits in a timely manner. “The laboratory's Forensic DNA Section has implemented a training program to address increasing the output of DNA analysis as expediently as possible," Swanholm shared. “The first 10 trainees that are participating in this program will be completing their training during the summer of 2025." The department's hiring, on-boarding, and training process for forensic scientists is a tiered and complex program that complies with national quality standards and takes at least two years before a forensic scientist achieves full competency. “The Forensic DNA Section will progressively be increasing their productivity as training is completed and additional personnel are hired resulting in additional capacity for the testing of sexual assault kits by the department," Swanholm said. The Phoenix Crime Laboratory is actively hiring for eight vacancies in the Forensic DNA Section. Applications and hiring information can be found at www.phoenix.gov/jobs. Next Year Looking forward to 2025, the department anticipates an expansion of the <a href="/police/victim-rights" target="_blank">Victim Information Portal</a> launched earlier in 2024 which will include sexual assault cases. “The laboratory looks forward to working with the Department to implement the improved notification and communication with victims of crime," said Swanholm. </html></div>

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Critical Incident Briefing - Osborn Rd & 12th Place

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3289

Police

11/22/2024 6:00:00 PM

https://youtu.be/jOqvO5GI-8M

Critical Incident Briefing - Osborn Rd & 12th Place

<div class="ExternalClass1CF3932A188342E8992EAA2AF728E044"><html> WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised. The Phoenix Police Department released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on November 9, 2024. This incident took place at an apartment complex near Osborn Road and 12th Place when officers were called to an emergency call of someone with a knife. The caller indicated there was a woman holding and waving a knife around while walking through the complex. When officers got to the scene, they saw a woman holding a knife standing on the second-floor landing. The officers repeatedly ordered the woman to drop the knife. The woman continued to hold the knife as an officer struck her with multiple rounds from a 40-millimeter launcher. The woman kept the knife in her hand as she started to make her way down the stairs toward the officers. It was at this time, when an officer deployed his Taser and another officer shot one round from her gun. The knife used by the woman was recovered in an area close to where the shooting occurred. After the shooting, officers provided lifesaving measures to the woman. She was later taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The officer involved in this shooting works in the Mountain View Precinct and has a combined total of 16 years in law enforcement in Arizona. Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Public records law required redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. This is why you may see some parts of Body Worn Camera (BWC) blurred or covered with a black box. Redacted video is released to local media in conjunction with the release of this Critical Incident Briefing for independent review and publication. Complete, unedited versions of the BWC are released to attorneys and the courts as evidence in a criminal case. </html></div>

https://phoenix.gov/police

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Critical Incident Briefing - November 5th - 3rd Street and Clarendon

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3286

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11/20/2024 10:00:00 PM

https://youtu.be/15yKyn6BprE

Critical Incident Briefing - November 5th - 3rd Street and Clarendon

<div class="ExternalClass61AD7297F3DB4D5DB93AB16E8A83AE91"><html> WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised. The Phoenix Police Department released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on November 5, 2024. This incident began near 3rd Street and Clarendon Avenue when officers from the Mountain View Precinct got a call of a residential burglary, where a man was trying to jump over the caller's fence from the alley. The caller said that a man wearing a red cap and grey pants was in the alley smoking drugs and tried to get over her gate. The first officer on scene went into the alley and saw a man matching the description, wearing a red ball cap and grey pants just south of the caller's home. Three other officers arrived in the alley from the opposite side. Officers saw the man with his left hand in his pocket and repeatedly ordered him to slowly show them his hands. The man did not comply. One officer attempted to deploy his 40mm less lethal launcher, which malfunctioned. The man then pulled out a gun and pointed it in the direction of one of the officers. Two officers fired their duty weapons, striking the man. After the shooting, other officers arrived and moved in to disarm the suspect and administer life-saving measures. Phoenix Fire personnel arrived and pronounced the man dead. No officers or other community members were injured as a result of this incident. The gun used by the suspect was located at his feet, and it was later determined to be a replica firearm. Both officers involved in this incident are assigned to the Mountain View Precinct and have been with the department for eight and six years respectively. Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Public records law required redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. This is why you may see some parts of Body Worn Camera (BWC) blurred or covered with a black box. Redacted video is released to local media in conjunction with the release of this Critical Incident Briefing for independent review and publication. Complete, unedited versions of the BWC are released to attorneys and the courts as evidence in a criminal case. </html></div>

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