Top lawmaker asks Trump admin to scrap report cracking down on blue city cops

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen is calling on the Department of Justice to retract a report that could potentially lead to increased federal oversight of the Phoenix Police Department. In a letter to Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, Petersen expressed concerns about the report’s findings, which accuse the department of engaging in conduct that violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law, including the use of excessive force and discriminatory practices against minorities and homeless individuals.

The report, released in June 2024, suggests that the city of Phoenix should agree to a consent decree that would involve high levels of federal involvement through the DOJ. Petersen argued that such a decree could have detrimental effects on the police department, creating challenges similar to those faced by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office after coming under federal oversight in 2015, which has cost the county over $310 million.

Former Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone, a Democrat, resigned from his position last year, citing frustrations with the consent decree. He expressed concerns about the impact of federal oversight on the ability of law enforcement to effectively serve the community. Petersen emphasized that while accountability for rogue officers and agencies is important, consent decrees are not the appropriate solution.

The Senator highlighted the need for reforms within the police department, but stressed that consent decrees are unconstitutional and represent an overreach of federal power. He suggested that a technical assistance letter would be a more appropriate approach to addressing the issues raised in the report.

Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, prior to his election to the Senate, also voiced opposition to a consent decree, urging the DOJ to consider alternative methods of reform. He acknowledged the need for improvements within the department but advocated for a collaborative approach between the city and the DOJ.

Progressives in the state have called for federal oversight of the Phoenix PD, citing incidents of alleged mistreatment of individuals by officers. However, Petersen and other lawmakers argue that consent decrees are not the solution and could have negative consequences for law enforcement agencies.

The DOJ has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. Petersen’s efforts to challenge the report and advocate for a different approach to reform demonstrate the ongoing debate surrounding federal oversight of police departments and the balance between accountability and maintaining effective law enforcement practices.