The Phoenix police chief says a criminal investigation of two officers in connection with an Aug. 5 traffic stop is a priority, and so is accountability.
Chief Matt Giordano spoke late Wednesday in a video posted to social media.
“The allegations are serious. And they do not reflect the standards we expect or the values the public deserves. The actions of a few should never define an entire department,” Giordano said
Giordano did not say what the officers are alleged to have done. They have not been identified and are on paid leave.
“We know there are many questions about the accusations against these two officers. And we understand community concern. Those questions matter and they deserve answers. We must allow the investigative process to proceed thoroughly and without interference,” Giordano said.
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This is the latest in a long-running legal challenge mounted by the ACLU AZ to find out the extent in which Pima County sheriff's deputies work with ICE and Border Patrol. -
The boy’s death and the pay-to-play allegations highlight questions about Arizona's congregate-care capacity for children, training for workers who care for them and oversight of providers and other contractors who hold leverage over the state simply due to their size and influence. -
Community members huddled around a small stage set up on the grass at Tucson’s Catalina Park. A sea of thin white candles twinkled in the crowd as attendees hugged each other and cried. -
In the past month, four metro Phoenix police agencies have launched investigations into potential officer misuse of automated license plate readers. And the same number of Valley cities have shut off their systems or canceled contracts. -
Reports the officers filed, their body camera videos, service calls and community interactions are all under audit. So is the South Mountain Precinct and their former squad.
