Phoenix PD ends use of Mexican license plates on unmarked vehicles

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department announced Thursday it will no longer use non-U.S. license plates on unmarked police vehicles after a video circulated online of one displaying a Mexican license plate during a traffic stop.

“We understand that this situation has caused concern and confusion in our community, especially at a time when many residents are already feeling heightened anxiety about the presence of outside law enforcement agencies,” Phoenix Police Sgt. Mercedes Fortune said in a response to KTAR News 92.3 FM. “That concern is valid, and we take it seriously.”

Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano also directed that any use of non-U.S. license plates on unmarked police vehicles be stopped immediately, according to the response.

In addition, a departmentwide review is being conducted to ensure that the issue is fully addressed.

The Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix also addressed the situation, stating this was the first time it’s been made aware of the use of Mexican plates in this way. The consulate added that it understands law enforcement sometimes uses overlaid plates in operations, but the choice of Mexican plates raised concerns within the community.

However, the consulate accepted Giordano’s actions as a resolution to the issue.

“At this time, the Consulate has not received any formal complaints from Mexican nationals regarding this matter,” the consulate said in a statement. “In light of the actions taken, the Consulate considers the matter resolved.” 

More details on the incident where Phoenix PD used Mexican license plates

According to police, Neighborhood Enforcement Team officers in the Maryvale-Estrella Mountain Precinct conducted a traffic stop on someone with a felony arrest warrant near 35th Avenue and Indian School Road.

During the stop, the person allegedly attempted to flee, prompting the deployment of a Grappler vehicle interdiction device.

The individual was then taken into custody and booked into jail on the felony warrant as well as narcotics possession charges, police said.

“While this enforcement action resulted in an arrest, we recognize that the use of non-U.S. plates created uncertainty about who was conducting the stop,” Fortune said. “That is not acceptable, and we are committed to doing better.”

To ensure the community feels safe and informed, Phoenix police officers are required to identify themselves during public-facing enforcement activities — except when undercover or when identification poses a risk to officer safety. They are also not allowed to wear full-face coverings during routine patrol or when responding to calls for service and have to wear uniforms or markings identifying themselves as Phoenix police officers.

The department encouraged residents who are concerned about someone identifying as a Phoenix police officer to contact 911, call itsnon-emergency line at 602-262-5080 or the Office of Transparency and Accountability at 602-262-6287.

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