Phoenix Police launches informational web page for DOJ investigation

PHOENIX — Phoenix Police on Thursday launched an informational web page to track the progress of the Department of Justice’s investigation into the department’s potential civil rights violations and abuses of power.

The community resource page includes frequently asked questions, a timeline of the progress of the investigation and other resources related to the probe.

Phoenix Police has held a community meeting and provided information about the investigation to the department’s American Indian Advisory Board this month, according to the timeline.

The DOJ announced Aug. 5 its Civil Rights Division would review the police department’s use-of-force practices.

It will also look for patterns of retaliation over activity protected under the First Amendment and discrimination against people with disabilities or who are homeless.

Investigators will also reach out to Phoenix community groups and members of the public about their experiences with police.

The DOJ reviewed media reports, court files and citizen complaints before deciding to move forward with the Phoenix probe.

Results of the probe aren’t expected for a while, maybe more than a year.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department announced it was opening similar investigations into police forces in Minneapolis, after the death of George Floyd, and in Louisville, Kentucky, after the death of Breonna Taylor.

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