Introduction
The information on this page is intended to inform and educate the public about certain high-profile incidents, and other related topics from the Phoenix Police Department. See also: OIS Info page.
Press Conference, Oct. 22, 2019
The Phoenix Police Department held a press conference with new community updates at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 22. Watch a recording of the livestream on the Police Facebook page.
Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams announced discipline, including two terminations tied to high-profile incidents.
In the first case, an officer has been fired based on his response to a shoplifting call. The May 27th incident was captured on cell phone video that made news both locally and across the country. Chief Williams made the final decision to terminate Officer Chris Meyer, saying his actions caused adverse effects on both the Phoenix Police Department and our community. A second officer from the same incident was given a written reprimand.
The Police Chief also announced discipline for employees connected to social media posts, including one termination. 72 current employees were flagged as having possible inappropriate posts. An internal investigation looked at our policy and determined most of those employees’ actions rose to the level of supervisory coaching. Of the remaining 11 employees deemed to be in more serious violation of the policy, one was terminated, nine others received suspensions of 8-40 hours. The remaining employee is still in the investigative process.
“Our officers’ behavior was unacceptable,” said Chief Williams. “I expect them to be respectful, professional and compassionate in every situation and every encounter.”
The Phoenix Police Department receives more than 2,000,000 calls for service each year. The overwhelming majority of those calls and contacts end well. “But when they don’t, we will deal with the misconduct and create a dynamic where further harm isn’t done,” said Williams. Chief Williams commended the professionalism and respect delivered by most officers in their thousands of daily encounters with the public. “It’s what I expect and what the public deserves.”
10-22-2019 Disciplinary Process Fact Sheet (75 KB PDF)
10-22-2019 Shoplifting Investigation & Social Media Update (228 KB PDF)
We welcome public comments, to submit comments please Complete Online Form.
Video
Watch a video message from Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams regarding the May 27th incident.