PHOENIX — A day after earning the endorsement of the Arizona Police Association, U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice expressing some "concerns" about the agency's lengthy investigation into the Phoenix Police Department.
The DOJ revealed earlier this summer that its three-year-long investigation led to the conclusion that Phoenix police had allegedly engaged in a pattern of conduct that violated the constitutional rights of minorities and the homeless population.
The outcome of this type of investigation could be DOJ obtaining a consent decree, which the federal government has used to overhaul police departments throughout the country. Some Valley leaders have expressed opposition to being subjected to a consent decree.
Gallego, who is running for the U.S. Senate against Republican Kari Lake, has urged DOJ officials not to pursue a consent decree and rather utilize a "technical assistance letter" to implement reforms.
"At a time in which it is increasingly challenging to recruit and retain police officers nationwide, a consent decree could initiate a staffing crisis in Phoenix," the Democratic congressman wrote in a recent letter.
While several "valid points" were raised in the DOJ report on Phoenix police, Gallego said he was "deeply concerned that DOJ’s approach to PPD misses the mark, could impose overly burdensome costs, and ultimately have unintended consequences..."
Gallego's letter is dated Aug. 27, one day after the Arizona Police Association publicly pledged its support for the Democrat's senate campaign.
"The APA does not take our endorsements lightly; we recognize the importance of having a U.S. Senator that can bring people together to improve society for all. We believe Congressman Gallego will be that U.S. Senator," the association stated in its endorsement for Gallego.
APA represents thousands of active law enforcement officers across the state.
The endorsement appeared to be a bit of a surprise, considering that the association's president appeared at a Donald Trump rally just days earlier and expressed support for the GOP presidential candidate.
12News asked Gallego's campaign whether the congressman's letter was sent in exchange for an endorsement from the police association.
Hannah Goss, a spokesperson for the candidate, said, "There was no agreement. Ruben Gallego has a record of fighting for Arizona's law enforcement in Congress and is proud to have the support of the Arizona Police Association."
The City of Phoenix has recently released several documents on incidents mentioned in the DOJ report.