The violations included 'unjustified deadly force,' the DOJ said.
Pierre Thomas and Luke BarrA damning new report from the Justice Department released Thursday has concluded that thePolice Department has engaged in a "pattern or practice of conduct" that "deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law."
The DOJ report claims Phoenix officers often fire weapons at people who aren't an immediate threat and often inappropriately escalate the violence. In addition to being "reckless," officers are accused of delaying rendering emergency aid after a shooting. The Justice Department's top civil rights attorney called the findings of the report "severe" and said that citizens of Phoenix deserve equal treatment under the law.
DOJ also found that the Phoenix police intolerant of those who offered criticism and questioned how officers dealt with protesters. "Officers act on the assumption that people with disabilities are dangerous and rarely modify their approach," according to the report. "Officers resort to using force rather than de-escalation tactics that would likely help a person with behavioral health disabilities follow directions. As a result, people with behavioral health disabilities suffer harm such as force, trauma, and criminal consequences, rather than receiving emergency mental health care.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Phoenix Police Department engaged in civil rights violations, DOJ findsThe violations included 'unjustified deadly force,' the DOJ said.
Read more »
Phoenix Police Department engaged in civil rights violations, DOJ findsThe violations included 'unjustified deadly force,' the DOJ said.
Read more »
Phoenix Police Department engaged in civil rights violations, DOJ findsThe violations included 'unjustified deadly force,' the DOJ said.
Read more »
Phoenix Police Department engaged in civil rights violations, DOJ findsThe violations included 'unjustified deadly force,' the DOJ said.
Read more »
Phoenix Police Department engaged in civil rights violations, DOJ findsThe violations included 'unjustified deadly force,' the DOJ said.
Read more »
Department of Justice to make Phoenix 'civil rights' announcement ThursdayABC15 has been reporting on the DOJ's investigation into Phoenix Police Department since 2021
Read more »