Arizona House Republicans Urge Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego Against ‘Relinquishing Local Control’ of Police With Federal Consent Decree

Mayor Kate Gallego

Arizona State Representative David Marshall (R-Snowflake) led a group of 20 Republican lawmakers in a letter urging Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego not to enter into a consent decree with the Department of Justice (DOJ), warning it would “turn control” of the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) “over to the federal government.”

Reports indicate Gallego is considering whether to sign a potential consent decree, even as Phoenix City Council signals its potential opposition, and the move is opposed by Phoenix law enforcement groups.

A consent decree would allow the DOJ to provide oversight for the police department, The Center Square explained in October, including to determine whether officers are “following proper protocols, limiting misconduct from officers and keeping civil rights at the forefront of their operations.” Though a consent decree has not been publicly reported, multiple sources indicate such an agreement could be on the horizon.

In the letter, Marshall and 19 House Republicans warn about the DOJ using “consent decrees to remove local control from police departments in metropolitan cities” across the country, which they warn “has been disastrous for both the public safety of the residents in those cities and for taxpayers.”

The letter highlights the effects of the consent decree in Maricopa County, where they note both former Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Joe Penzone have “warned” about the impacts of the decree.

Penzone announced his decision to leave office early in October, and specifically blamed the consent decree for depleting “a considerable amount of resources in this office that could and should have been dedicated to public safety” during his tenure. Law Officer reported that consent decree requires Maricopa County to pay more than $200,000 per month to a federal monitor who lives in North Carolina.

The lawmakers warn that “any consideration” of such an agreement “could very well lead to a massive exodus in police officers,” before noting city’s existing shortage. They also highlighted constitutional concerns, warning that a consent decree could override Arizona’s state sovereignty.

After the DOJ launched an investigation of PPD shortly following President Joe Biden’s inauguration, Phoenix police announced plans to voluntarily change its limit use of force policy to focus on de-escalation.

Under the new guidance, officers are expected to use de-escalation strategies including “verbal persuasion, commands, and warnings,” “…waiting,” “using barriers,” creating distance, and withdrawing from the scene. It also mandates that “when employees use force, they shall exercise the utmost restraint,” and notes that “inappropriate use of force” could result in disciplinary action.

Though Phoenix’s mayor is not a partisan office, Gallego previously worked for the Arizona Democratic Party, and is the former wife of Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-03), who is now running for U.S. Senate.

– – –

Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Virginia Star, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo Mayor Kate Gallego by City of Phoenix.

 

Related posts

2 Thoughts to “Arizona House Republicans Urge Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego Against ‘Relinquishing Local Control’ of Police With Federal Consent Decree”

  1. Scott

    What the heck is wrong AZ politicians? AZ used to be strong and free… now politicians are becoming cowards bending over backwards to the whims of the Feds and other states leaders? Why have many of this supposedly new, informed and educated younger group of leaders found they absolutely must bend to the whims of the few putting most of us at greater risk?

    I’ve lived through the stupidity of Mecham and Buddy Ball, this newest batch of leadership in the state is on the same level in certain ways. The state has jerked so far to the left in certain ways since ‘85 when I got here it’s scary. It’s just insane how the loudest few sometimes makes life so hard for the rest of us. I really want to AZ politicians grow a spine and fight them in court. Sure it will cost state funds but thats better than long time regular citizens having to suffer because of the whims of a few. I am former Army and if someone draws on me or has a weapon that is a threat to myself or those around it I was trained in no uncertain terms to neutralize that threat.

    Now we were also trained to use the right weapon for the job. You don’t always need to shoot but you do need to effectively neutralize the threat. I suggest the trainers, officers and academy cadets train more in hand to hand combat and take downs. We were taught those techniques though some bleeding hearts on the left would say they are too effective and violent.

    I’ve seen/read about many situations where the victim was put at greater risk and had more harm inflicted upon them as cops tried to talk down the criminal. When will enough be enough and the victims and officers come first and the criminals last absolutely?

Comments