Police body cam video showing the violent arrest of a man who is deaf led Phoenix Councilman Kevin Robinson to hold a listening session Thursday night.
The event at Devonshire Senior Center was an opportunity for residents to get an update on the Department of Justice investigation into the Phoenix Police Department, and to ask questions and share concerns.
Neal Haddad said residents need information about the police department’s investigation in the August arrest of Tyron McAlpin.
“People need an explanation,” Haddad said. “There has been no communication on that subject with the public about what went down, how it happened, what's going on, or within the department.”
In body camera video from the Aug. 19 incident, a Phoenix police officer pulls into a parking lot where McAlpin is walking and calls out the window, “Hey buddy, stop where you’re at.”
When McAlpin, who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, doesn’t stop, the officer jumps out and within seconds punches him. In the police report, the officer says McAlpin swung at him and bit another officer. McAlpin is repeatedly punched and tased by two officers while he is on the ground. In October, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell dismissed assault and resisting arrest charges against McAlpin.
On Oct. 16, Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan released a statement asking for the public’s patience as the internal investigation is conducted and reviewed by the Office of Accountability and Transparency and Civilian Review Board.
“The department can still say these are the steps that can be taken,” said Haddad. “It’s got nothing to do with the case. Why can’t you say that it’s under review right now and these are the possible outcomes.”
Two officers were put on paid administrative leave shortly after McAlpin’s attorney shared video of the arrest with local and national media.
“We’ve got to get ahead of the media now, OK,” said Anne Ender, who leads a volunteer group that supports police. “We see that body cam. That should’ve alerted public affairs to get ahead of it.”
Executive Assistant Chief Dennis Orender said it will be addressed.
“I haven't seen the investigation. It’s not done yet, but once it’s done we will make sure that we cover everything from A-Z: supervisors, employees, everybody involved," Orender said.
Some residents wondered how the Trump administration might impact the federal investigation into the city’s police. Robinson, who hosted the event, said regardless of who is in the White House, the city is committed to improving policies, training and accountability.
“I believe this in my heart of hearts, and I know not everyone may agree with this, but I firmly believe the Phoenix Police Department is trying its best to be the best police department in the United States,” he said.
In June, the Justice Department released a report citing excessive force and civil rights violations by Phoenix Police. The city has been trying to avoid federal oversight, which can cost millions and last many years.
In October, Robinson, who served 36 years on the force before retiring, told KJZZ that McAlpin’s arrest is “not a good look for us.”
