Message from Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano

In the past six weeks, the Phoenix Police Department has faced six critical incidents involving officer-involved shootings. We understand how deeply concerning this is to our community and we share your concern. 

We remain committed to continuous improvement. Policing demands courage, split-second decision making, and compassion in the toughest moments. While every situation is different, and often rapidly evolving, we continue to place a focus on de-escalation strategies and the use of less-lethal options whenever possible. 

To that end we are taking the following actions:

• Launching a department-wide refresher on ICAT (Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics) and Use of Force policies to reinforce our commitment to de-escalation and sound decision-making.
• Implementing a new Advanced Training Review process. Within 30 days of any critical incident, involved personnel will participate in targeted training focused on de-escalation, communication, tactics, officer safety, use of force, and supervisory oversight.
• Continuing the expansion of access to less-lethal tools, which includes the addition of Pepper Ball and 40mm operators and equipping officers with Taser 10 devices.
• Enhancing our Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program to include incentivizing more officers to become CIT certified and providing advanced and ongoing education, ensuring officers are better prepared to respond to individuals in crisis.
• Collaborating with the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT) to implement their recommendations for improving our administrative investigations and the policies and practices that support them.

Each incident is thoroughly reviewed through multiple layers of accountability, including an independent investigation by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and an internal review by our Professional Standards Bureau (PSB). These reviews are vital to maintaining public trust and ensuring that our actions align with our values.

These efforts reflect our commitment to learning from every incident, refining our practices, and strengthening community trust. I am proud of the dedication and professionalism our officers regularly show in serving this community and will continue to support them with the training and tools they need to protect and serve effectively. 

Through transparency, training, and thoughtful engagement, we’re building a safer Phoenix together. 

Chief Matt Giordano
Phoenix Police Department