CHARGED WITH VIOLATING THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF ITS RESIDENTS AND VISITORS
After a “comprehensive investigation,” the United States Department of Justice announced that the Phoenix Police Department (PhxPD), along with the City of Phoenix, has engaged in a “pattern or practice” of violating the United States Constitution and federal law.
In a recent report, the DOJ noted, among other things, that:
- PhxPD uses excessive force, including unjustified deadly force and other types of force.
- PhxPD and the City unlawfully detain, cite, and arrest people experiencing homelessness and unlawfully dispose of their belongings. This is the first time the Department has found a pattern or practice of conduct that focuses on the rights of people experiencing homelessness.
- PhxPD discriminates against Black, Hispanic, and Native American people when enforcing the law.
- PhxPD violates the rights of people engaged in protected speech and expression.
- PhxPD and the City discriminate against people with behavioral health disabilities when dispatching calls for assistance and responding to people in crisis.
In a written statement, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland noted that, “The Justice Department has concluded there is reasonable cause to believe that the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives its residents and visitors, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American people, of their rights under the Constitution and federal law …. The release of today’s findings report is an important step toward accountability and transparency, and we are committed to working with the City of Phoenix and Phoenix Police Department on meaningful reform that protects the civil rights and safety of Phoenix residents and strengthens police-community trust.”
Think this will turn into a constitutional battle?
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USDOJ PRESS RELEASE ~ 06.13.24
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