| Chief Plans New Training, Policy Review for Phoenix PD | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/2573 | Police | | 11/21/2022 8:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2573/Newsroom Graphic (1).png | | Chief Plans New Training, Policy Review for Phoenix PD | <div class="ExternalClassB2AB9C25A7034BF089F548457998F351"><html>
<p>Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan is taking steps to provide officers the necessary training and tools to carry out the mission of reducing and preventing crime in our city while ensuring the safety of all community members and employees.<br></p>
<p>The newly announced four-pronged approach comes after Chief Sullivan spent the first months of his tenure meeting with community members and listening to their input about the department. He has also attended precinct patrol briefings to talk to the men and women directly serving the community. <br><br>As a result of his initial assessment, Chief Sullivan has outlined a plan to provide skills and options to officers aimed at successfully and safely defusing a range of critical incidents. His four-pronged plan includes: <br></p>
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<p>Reinforced patrol briefing training on time, distance, and cover. </p>
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<p>Arranging for national best practice scenario-based training on de-escalation. </p>
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<p>Reviewing the Department's Use of Force policy </p>
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<p>Expanding the Department's less lethal program <br><br></p>
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<strong>Reinforced Training</strong>
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<br>The initial few moments after officers arrive on a scene are critical. “The decisions and actions of law enforcement officers are critically important and can change the course of lives in a matter of seconds. That responsibility forces us to constantly look at ways to get better and do better," said Chief Sullivan.<br><br>To ensure officers have the latest and best tools, information and approaches, mandatory patrol briefings have long been used as opportunities to address procedures and policies that change or need reinforcing. Chief Sullivan has directed a series of mandatory patrol briefings be conducted on the principals of creating time, distance and cover in critical situations in order to have time to develop a plan to address the situation safely for all parties involved. <br><br><strong>De-escalation & Scenario-based Training </strong><br><br>Chief Sullivan will implement nationally recognized training developed by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The training, known as ICAT (Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics), is scenario-based training for times when officers encounter volatile situations with erratic and potentially dangerous subjects who are not armed with a gun. <br><br><strong>Policy Review</strong><br><br>While the Department constantly reviews its policies, Chief Sullivan has initiated a deep dive into the use of force policy. His goal is to ensure Phoenix PD has the gold standard in law enforcement policies to support the most positive outcome for our community and our officers. This review will also take into consideration standards known to be approved by the Department of Justice. A draft of the policy will be released for public input and comment before finalization. <br><br><strong>Expanding Less Lethal Tools and Training </strong><br><br>An expansion of the Department's less lethal program is underway. Starting this week, and for the following four weeks, 12 officers per week will be trained on less lethal tools, specifically the PepperBall. This tool allows law enforcement the ability to disable or deter threats, resolve situations without lethal force, and accomplish missions while preserving life. The goal is to equip an additional 400 officers with less lethal options before the end of 2023, 200 PepperBall devices and 200 40mm impact launchers. <br><br>“This plan revolves around the concept that preservation of life is at the core of policing," said Sullivan. “Becoming a self-correcting organization fosters continuous improvement which allows us to refocus on that core ideal which is more important now than ever." <br><br>The Phoenix Police Department prides itself on being a progressive, adaptable law enforcement agency and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego extended her support to Chief Sullivan and the experience he brings to the job. “Chief Sullivan has led reform and modernization in major cities," said Mayor Gallego. “He has a record of bringing out the best in public safety and working to create stronger and safer communities. I am optimistic for the future of Phoenix Police and look forward to continued work with Chief to make Phoenix an even safer city." <br><br>All over the country police departments are facing a multitude of challenges and Phoenix PD is no exception. City Manager Jeff Barton cited Chief Sullivan's leadership characteristics as the reason he hired Sullivan. <br><br>“Michael Sullivan has a unique skill set to collaborate with communities, oversee reform, and implement changes needed to move the department through the current Department of Justice investigation and into the future," said Barton. <br><br>Chief Sullivan will continue to update the community on his vision for the department and the progress achieved in the coming months. </p>
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