PHOENIX — The City of Phoenix is waiting for the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to finish an investigation that could change how the police department functions.
The DOJ began its investigation in 2021.
The agency is looking at five areas of conduct including use of force, possible discriminatory policies or practices, possible violations of First Amendment rights, possible violations of the rights of those with disabilities or behavioral health concerns, possible violations of the rights of homeless people.
Phoenix Police Assistant Chief Bryan Chapman said the DOJ has not given the department a timeline of when they're investigation will conclude, but he's expecting it could be soon.
Chapman is briefing residents on possible outcomes at community meetings hosted by the Phoenix Police Department.
“We’re just waiting for the Department of Justice to kind of signal to us when they’re going to be finished with it and give us the report," Chapman said.
Phoenix Police said they've handed over more than 100,000 documents, 20,000 body worn camera videos, as well as complied with interviews and spent millions of dollars.
“That includes personnel costs associated with the investigation, experts, legal assistance, that sort of stuff," Chapman said.
Many of the people who attended Tuesday's community meeting in the Black Mountain precinct said they hope the DOJ packs up and leaves the police department alone.
“It’s been a few years. It’s been dragging out for awhile," Christopher Demarest said.
Some Phoenix residents told 12News they don't want a federal agency to have oversight of the police.
“I think the fact that they’re working on it, give them time. Give them time, allow them to see the changes," Bobby Deneke said.
Other attendees disagreed and said a fresh perspective could increase accountability.
“If we can get a new look, a new inside voice, a new inside set of eyes to come out here and check things out and say 'hey, this is what we found, this is what’s going on, this is what needs to change'," Jarvis Johnson said.
Chapman said regardless of the investigation, his department is moving forward with improving policies, including use of force.
“We’re not going to wait for the Department of Justice to give us a report to move forward with what we know are some best practices across the nation right now," Chapman said.
Possible outcomes will depend on if the DOJ finds evidence of "patterns of practice." Any findings will be given to the City who will then choose to negotiate a consent decree, another type of reform agreement or battle the accusation in court.
RELATED: City of Phoenix will have options at end of DOJ investigation: Consent decree or go to trial?
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