DOJ Opens Investigation of Phoenix Police Department

A Phoenix Police Department officer reaches for a new Axon Body 2 body camera as another precinct gets cameras assigned to them on July 3, 2019, in Phoenix. ROSS D. FRANKLIN/The Canadian Press/AP

The U.S. Justice Department is starting an investigation of the Phoenix Police Department over its established practices involving the use of force and police conduct toward the homeless and people with disabilities.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Civil Rights Division announced the investigation at an Aug. 5 press conference.