The Department of Justice on Thursday released the results of a years-long investigation that found Phoenix police used excessive force and engaged in discriminatory policing practices against Black, Hispanic and Native American officers.
The investigation, compiled into a 126-page report, found that the Phoenix Police Department violated the Constitution and law in all five areas covered by the investigation, including excessive use of force, discriminatory and retaliatory policing practices, and treatment of homeless and disabled people.
“The Department of Justice has concluded that there is probable cause to believe that the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department have engaged in a pattern of conduct and practices that deprive residents and visitors, including Black, Hispanic and Native American, of their constitutional and federal rights,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement.
City officials say they have implemented reforms since the investigation began in 2021.
Unlike other federal investigations into city police, the Biden administration's review covers the years 2019 to 2022 and was not triggered by a single incident. But Phoenix had the nation's highest number of fatal police shootings in 2018, leaving 23 people dead, and critics cite a history of mistreatment of minorities, people with disabilities and the homeless.
The Justice Department said it wants to work with Phoenix to implement reforms, even though city officials have said they don't want federal involvement. That could set off a tense standoff between the Biden administration and the largest cities in key battleground states. Presumed Republican nominee, former President Donald J. Trump, appears to be leading in the state, according to a poll of registered voters conducted last month. President Biden narrowly won Arizona in the 2020 election.
This is a developing story and will be updated.