Justice Department opens investigation into how the Phoenix Police Department treats homeless residents in the city

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“We have reviewed court records, media reports, citizen complaints and also considered the factors we usually weigh in determining whether to open an investigation, including the nature and seriousness of the allegations, the number of allegations, the steps a department can take. take to respond to the allegations and the history of the department, “Kristen Clarke, head of the Department of Justice’s civil rights division, said in a statement. press conference.

She continued, “We have found that the evidence here warrants a full investigation, but we are approaching this process without predispositions or pre-drawn conclusions.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said on Thursday that she welcomed the government’s investigation, noting in a declaration that “comprehensive police reform in the city of Phoenix has been my priority since day one of taking office.”

Pledging to support the investigation, Gallego, a Democrat, added that “the recommendations that will emerge from this review will help us in our continued efforts to become an even safer, stronger and more equitable city.”

The Justice Department’s investigation will examine illegal seizures or alienation of property from homeless people, according to a press release. Investigators will also determine whether the Phoenix police have engaged in a pattern of lethal force, retaliatory activity against people for conduct protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and discriminatory policing.

The department’s focus on the conduct of officers towards homeless people represents the first time that the department has focused specifically on the constitutional rights of this community during one of its so-called models and surveys. practices of local police forces, according to a DOJ official, who pointed to the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution.

Its inclusion in the newly announced survey is a Clear warning for cities across the country where police sweeps of homeless communities have become a common response to the growth of tent cities in public spaces.

Garland noted during Thursday’s press conference that with the recent expiration of the eviction moratorium put in place during Covid-19, it would also have “serious implications for law enforcement, adding to a crisis homelessness that tends but cannot be resolved by the criminal justice system. ”

In addition, the survey will assess the systems and practices of the City and the Phoenix Police Department for responding to people with disabilities. The survey will include a comprehensive review of policies, training, supervision and investigations. PhxPD’s strength, as well as PhxPD’s accountability systems, including the receipt of conduct complaints, investigation, review, adjudication and discipline, ”according to the press release.

As part of this investigation, the Department of Justice will contact community groups and members of the public to learn more about their experiences with the Phoenix Police Department.

This is the third model or practice investigation launched since Garland was sworn in as attorney general earlier this year. There are a total of six open style or practice investigations in cities, including Louisville and Minneapolis.
CNN reported in June that the city of Phoenix was developing a pilot program to minimize or eliminate the role of police responding to 911 calls related to mental health, homelessness or substance abuse. The city approved a budget that included $ 15 million to expand the program which is largely supported by volunteers and grants.

This story was updated with additional details on Thursday.

CNN’s Peter Nickeas and Evan Perez contributed to this report.



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