Phoenix Police Department seeks public input on use of force policy revisions

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department is seeking the public’s input as it works to revise its use of force policy.

A partial draft proposal is available for review online. It covers core principles, expanded definitions, levels of force and revised general policies.

Sections on force options, reporting requirements and duty to intervene will be updated and released for review in the near future, the department said in a press release Monday.

The public comment period will run from Jan. 17 to Jan. 31. A feedback form can be accessed online.

All public comments will be reviewed and taken into consideration before the department finalizes changes to its use of force policy, according to the release.

In August 2021, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into the Phoenix Police Department and the city over potential civil rights violations and abuses of power.

The investigation was to include a review of the police department’s use of force practices.

The city maintains an informational web page to track the progress of the Justice Department investigation.

In May of last year, Jeri Williams announced she would be retiring as Phoenix’s police chief after about six years on the job.

In July, the city chose Michael Sullivan to serve as interim chief through the completion of the DOJ investigation. Sullivan started in September under a one-year contract that could be extended up to 24 months.

In November, Sullivan introduced a four-pronged plan to reduce and prevent crime in the city. One facet of the plan was to review the use of force policy.

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