: Independent reports and media investigations (such as those from ABC15 ) provide "guides" into past scandals, including the "fake gang" false charges against protesters and academy training that mischaracterized the law.
However, a determined group of journalists, activists, and community leaders has continued to push for answers, driven by a desire for truth and accountability. Through a series of Freedom of Information Act requests, investigative reporting, and community outreach, they have pieced together a disturbing narrative of corruption and deceit that reaches the highest echelons of the Phoenix PD.
Multiple custody deaths have been linked to these exact restraint practices, resulting in multi-million dollar legal settlements paid out by the City of Phoenix. Key Findings of the DOJ Investigation
High-profile internal investigations—such as the 2020 false gang-charging scandal involving political protesters—concluded with findings of policy violations but zero formal discipline due to the retirement of the primary officers involved. As federal court-enforced oversight remains a point of friction, the focus stays squarely on whether the department's new focus on de-escalation and safe restraint methods can prevent future field tragedies. hardtiedrising phoenix phoenix pd
, following a national search for a leader to address the city's unique safety and recruitment challenges. Key Considerations Property Crime vs. Violent Crime
Illegal destruction and disposal of personal property belonging to individuals experiencing homelessness. "Rising Phoenix": Community Accountability Reimagined
The City of Phoenix agreed to a settlement regarding positional restraint abuse. Pending Civil Litigation : Independent reports and media investigations (such as
The Phoenix Police Department is currently undergoing a significant technological transformation, often characterized as a "rebirth" or modernization of its emergency response systems. AI-Powered Call Triage: Starting in August 2025, the Phoenix PD implemented a new AI-powered call triage system for its non-emergency lines. Operational Efficiency:
Key Findings from the Department of Justice Pattern or Practice Probe
As the city of Phoenix continues to grapple with issues of police reform, community trust, and public safety, the story of Hardtiedrising Phoenix serves as a powerful reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and justice. The Phoenix PD's response to these allegations will be critical in determining the future of law enforcement in Phoenix and setting a precedent for police departments across the United States. Multiple custody deaths have been linked to these
┌──────────────────────────────┐ │ DOJ Civil Rights Report │ └──────────────┬───────────────┘ ▼ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │ Appointment of Chief Matt │ │ Giordano │ └──────────────┬───────────────┘ ▼ ┌───────────────────────┴───────────────────────┐ ▼ ▼ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │ Aggressive Policy Reform │ │ High-Profile Accountability │ │ • Ban on unsafe restraints │ │ • Firing of Sgt. Mullen │ │ • De-escalation mandates │ │ • Strict social media checks │ └──────────────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────────┘ The Mandate of Chief Matt Giordano
: A revised policy now requires that force be "necessary and proportional" in addition to the standard of "objectively reasonable".
[ Prone Position (Face Down) ] + [ Legs Tethered to Handcuffs ] │ ▼ [ Chest/Abdomen Compression ] │ ▼ [ POSITIONAL ASPHYXIA RISK ]