Rep. Gallego Statement on Department of Justice Investigation of the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department
PHOENIX, AZ – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement regarding the announcement by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland that the U.S. Justice Department has opened a pattern or practice investigation into the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department:
"The need for close examination of policing policies, police behavior and police reform in communities across the nation has never been more clear than in the last several years.
Public safety starts with trust and we have seen repeatedly what happens when systemic racism and institutional injustice erode trust between communities of color and law enforcement. The City of Phoenix has made some important improvements. We know there is always more work to do, which is why the House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act earlier this year.
I have confidence that Attorney General Merrick Garland's review of the Phoenix Police Department and the City of Phoenix will be thorough, transparent and rooted in a commitment to improve public safety for all communities, including communities of color.
Accountability must be the rule, not the exception, and I know the people of my district share this commitment."