Justice News

Remarks as Delivered

Good afternoon.

I am joined here today by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke.

Today, we are announcing that the Justice Department is opening an investigation into the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department. The investigation will determine whether the Phoenix Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of violations of the Constitution or federal law.

This is the third pattern or practice investigation I have announced as Attorney General. Each time, I have noted that these investigations aim to promote transparency and accountability. This increases public trust, which in turn increases public safety.

We know that law enforcement shares these goals.

The Justice Department has briefed Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Police Chief Jeri Williams about the investigation. We are pleased by their pledge of support.

They, too, recognize that we share common aims.

Our investigation in Phoenix will be led by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. It is based on the Division’s extensive review of publicly available information and it will consider several issues.

First, whether the Phoenix Police Department uses excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

Second, whether the Phoenix Police Department engages in discriminatory policing practices that violate the Constitution and federal law.

Third, whether the Department violates the First Amendment by retaliating against individuals who...

Read Full Story: https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-delivers-remarks-announcing-pattern-or-practice

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