NOW: AG Merrick Garland announces that the DOJ will begin an investigation into the Phoenix Police Department, reviewing issues w. excessive force, 1A violations, discriminatory practices and more.
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Protecting the rule of law means that those who enforce our laws also abide in them. - @KristenClarkeJD
It's a civil pattern/practice investigation into the city of Phoenix and the Phoenix PD.
It's a civil pattern/practice investigation into the city of Phoenix and the Phoenix PD.
Clarke: We have reviewed court files, media reports and citizen complaints and factors they ordinarily weigh when determining when to open a probe, that includes nature, seriousness and number of allegations and steps dept may be taking to address allegations plus dept's history
If we conclude there are no systemic violations of constitutional rights etc, they will make that known. But if it is found that there is reasonable cause to believe violations are occurring, DOJ will issue a report and then work cooperatively w/Phoenix to reach remedies.
If remedy can't be reached, DOJ is authorized to secure "an appropriate injunctive remedy," Clarke adds.
Lay translation: DOJ can lean on Phoenix to get right and it can/will throw its weight around in court if necessary.
Lay translation: DOJ can lean on Phoenix to get right and it can/will throw its weight around in court if necessary.
Garland is asked if there was a 'final straw' in Phoenix. He passes to Clarke. Clarke says they looked into a # of issues, specifically looking at whether Phoenix PD uses force unconstitutionally, specifically, deadly force. Whether PD retaliates against people exercising 1A.
OOJ is also looking into how police are trained in Phoenix; how ppl experiencing homeless are treated, including the sweeps that uproot their belongings and whether that triggers 13th and 14th Amendment violations.
On eviction, Garland: "The effects of mass eviction would be devastating."
The Dept has vigorously defended the authority of the CDC and will continue to do so, he adds.
Challenges to that authority, incl. one brought yesterday, will be responded to in court.
The Dept has vigorously defended the authority of the CDC and will continue to do so, he adds.
Challenges to that authority, incl. one brought yesterday, will be responded to in court.
Apologies for typos in thread. OOJ should obviously be DOJ.
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