DOJ opening investigation into Phoenix Police Department, city of Phoenix

The DOJ is opening an investigation into the policing practices of the Phoenix Police Department and the city of Phoenix.

The Justice Department is opening an investigation into the policing practices of the Phoenix Police Department and the city of Phoenix, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Thursday afternoon. The investigation will examine whether the Phoenix Police Department uses excessive force, whether it engages in discriminatory policing practices, whether the department violated the First Amendment by retaliating against protesters and whether the department discriminates against people with disabilities. This is the third pattern or practice investigation the Justice Department has opened during the Biden administration. Earlier this year, the DOJ opened investigations into the Louisville Police Department and Minneapolis Police Department. "Each time I have noted that these investigations are aimed to promote transparency and accountability," Garland said. "This increases public trust, which in turn increases public safety."