PHOENIX — City of Phoenix officials traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice for the first time since the DOJ's scathing report on Phoenix police.
"The purpose of this initial meeting is to begin productive discussions between the City of Phoenix and the DOJ about a path forward that works best for the members of the Phoenix community," city officials said in a press release.
City Manager Jeff Barton, Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan and staff from the City Law Department are in attendance.
On Tuesday, the city council voted 9-0 to approve a list of proposals intended to enhance accountability and transparency after the DOJ accused Phoenix police of engaging in a pattern of conduct that violated the constitutional rights of residents.
Since the report, the city has pushed back on accepting a consent decree or federal oversight regarding the Phoenix Police Department.
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Authorities did not release further details about what would be discussed in the meeting.
Friday afternoon a City of Phoenix spokesperson released the following statement to 12News:
"City staff had an initial meeting with representatives from the Department of Justice. We approached this meeting knowing it would be the first of many discussions with the DOJ as we work to identify a plan that works for Phoenix. While we cannot discuss the specifics of the meeting, we remain committed to developing a path that moves our City and its police department forward," Dan Wilson, Director of Communications for the City of Phoenix, said.
For information on recent Council action to enhance public safety, visit the PHX Newsroom and the City’s DOJ Community Resources page.
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