A new office is going to have the ability to conduct independent investigations into the city of Phoenix Police Department’s actions.
The City Council last month approved an ordinance establishing the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT). Earlier this year the City Council first approved the formation of OAT but the vote last month approved the governing language describing the duties of the office. Council members previously approved the budget for the new office.
OAT’s role includes monitoring or investigating Phoenix Police Department members and it also might provide recommendations for training, disciplinary actions and policy. The office’s responsibility is to ensure complaints against police officers are handled objectively and fairly, including a thorough, fair investigation. Now a director needs to be hired for the office.
OAT staff members may not have worked in law enforcement previously or be family members of any law enforcement officers. The community will be involved in the hiring process. Once hired, this director and employees will review or investigate the use of force, in custody deaths and other community complaints. Then it will make recommendations on whether the investigation was adequate, as well as any suggested discipline or needed policy changes.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego released statements after the vote saying it was “an important day for the City of Phoenix.”
“It is a privilege to serve as Mayor, and I am proud that we have, for the first time in the city’s history, brought this important concept to a vote,” Gallego said. “Until today, Phoenix was the largest city without civilian oversight of its police department. Since I came to office, staff and elected leaders have spent countless hours talking with members of our community about how to create stronger accountability and transparency for our police department. We are making a powerful commitment to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the people of Phoenix.”
Phoenix Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia in a statement said the testimonies that families impacted by police violence made the day of the Council’s vote are “exactly why we need this office.” Garcia led the historic vote to approve civilian oversight of the police department.
“I am grateful for the community members who have long advocated for this change at the city,” he said. “I am also thankful to the Mayor and Councilwomen Ansari, Guardado and Pastor for voting for this.”
Phoenix Councilmember Sal DiCiccio expressed a different opinion about the formation of the office.
“Today’s vote was not about acting for accountability or transparency, but about handing over unlimited power to hate groups,” DiCiccio said in a statement. “The vast majority of the community supports the police versus this small group of 100 people.”
To learn more, visit www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/1914.
