Chief addresses use-of-force investigation into 2 Phoenix officers: ‘The allegations are serious’

After two Phoenix Police officers were placed on leave amid a criminal investigation, Chief Matt Giordano addressed the case and emphasized his commitment to transparency.

“The allegations are serious, and they do not reflect the standards we expect or the values the public deserves,” Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano said in a social media video Wednesday.

What are the two Phoenix police officers accused of doing?

Two Phoenix police officers are accused of using force during an Aug. 5 traffic stop without reporting the incident or activating their body-worn cameras, which they’re required to do by department policy.

The stop allegedly took place around 11:30 p.m. near 19th Avenue and Broadway Road in south Phoenix.

According to a Tempe Police report, a man and woman said people they believed were officers smashed their Dodge Charger’s window, used Tasers on them, beat the man for around five or six minutes and threatened to shoot the man before he hopped back into the vehicle and drove away.

Why did Tempe police become involved?

Tempe Police became involved after an officer responded to a disabled vehicle near Baseline Road and Priest Drive. The officer found the unoccupied Dodge Charger overheating, with a damaged window and the smell of burning rubber.

The officer tracked down and spoke with the man and his girlfriend. She said the alleged attackers beat him, then handcuffed her and placed her in the back of a police car. She said the officers released her after her boyfriend drove away, and she walked for about an hour to get home.

Because dispatch initially found no record of any law enforcement agency — including Phoenix police — stopping the vehicle that night, the Tempe officer suspected the victims may have encountered people impersonating officers.

The Tempe report listed possible offenses including armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, preventing the use of a telephone during an emergency, criminal damage and impersonating a police officer.

What did the Phoenix police chief say?

Because the alleged incident took place in Phoenix, the Phoenix Police Department took over the investigation.

“We know there are many questions about the accusations against these two officers, and we understand community concern,” Giordano said in Wednesday’s video. “Those questions matter, and they deserve answers. We must allow the investigative process to proceed thoroughly and without interference.”

He promised the two officers would face consequences if the investigation finds wrongdoing.

“Once the investigation is complete, we’ll provide an update. If wrongdoing is found, I will take action to hold our officers fully accountable,” Giordano said. “Transparency is essential and we are committed to communicating openly.”

Related

2 Phoenix officers put on leave after allegedly using force, not activating body cams during stopPhoenix police release body camera video of fatal shooting of wanted sex crimes suspectSearch for burglary suspect leads to Phoenix officer shooting dog after it bit himPhoenix officer who fatally shot wrong man in January won’t face charges2 Phoenix officers hospitalized after driver rams their patrol vehiclePhoenix police sergeant fired following off-duty confrontation at high school ICE protest