Christian Smith
(NewsNation) – The Phoenix Police Department has historically used unjustified and deadly uses of force, discriminated against black, Hispanic and Native American civilians and repeatedly targeted people experiencing homelessness, according to a report from the Department of Justice (DOJ ) detailing the alleged violations of people’s civil rights by the department.
The report lays out findings that the city of Phoenix and its police department target people experiencing homelessness, retaliate against people who criticize the police, and disproportionately use force against people with behavioral disabilities.
In the years leading up to the investigation, Phoenix police officers shot and killed people at one of the highest rates in the country. Some city officials blamed a “more violent population” for the number of shootings rather than police conduct, but many of these shootings violated the Constitution, According to the report.
The Department of Justice highlighted the excessive and unjustified use of deadly force by police officers, as well as efforts targeting people experiencing homelessness.
The city of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department are specifically accused of illegally detaining, citing and arresting people experiencing homelessness and illegally disposing of their belongings.
Police officers also used indiscriminate force against protesters, falsified allegations against protest leaders, and retaliated against people who criticized police, according to the DOJ.
Investigators similarly described police action toward children and people with disabilities, noting that the department relies on tactics that are “dangerous,” “unnecessary” and “irrational.”
“Instead of teaching that de-escalation strategies are designed to eliminate or reduce the need to use force, PhxPD has misappropriated the concept and teaches officers that all force – even deadly force – is de-escalation,” he said. the report.
Officers also “act based on the assumption that people with disabilities are dangerous and rarely modify their approach,” according to the report.
“Our comprehensive investigation revealed illegal and unconstitutional practices in the Phoenix Police Department’s enforcement activities that affect some of Phoenix’s most vulnerable residents, including Black, Hispanic and Native Americans, the homeless and those facing behavioral health crises. ,” the assistant attorney general said. Kristen Clarke. “Police also used excessive force, delayed needed medical care, and violated the civil rights of those engaging in conduct protected by the First Amendment, including demonstrations and protests.”
The investigation is one of eleven of its kind investigating police departments across the country since 2021.
The DOJ has plans to reach out to members of the Phoenix community to explain its findings and ask about possible solutions.
Community members can also email recommendations to mailto:phoenix.community@usdoj.gov or call 866-432-0335.
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