Phoenix City Council Votes To Establish Police Oversight Board

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix City Council voted to establish a civilian oversight board of the city's police department Wednesday.

The 5-4 vote officially establishes the Office of Accountability and Transparency, which will be able to launch independent investigations and provide transparency for the Phoenix Police Department, the city said.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego released the following statement on the vote:

“This is an important day for the City of Phoenix. It is a privilege to serve as Mayor, and I am proud that we have, for the first time in the city’s history, brought this important concept to a vote. Until today, Phoenix was the largest city without civilian oversight of its police department.

Since I came to office, staff and elected leaders have spent countless hours talking with members of our community about how to create stronger accountability and transparency for our police department.

We are making a powerful commitment to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the people of Phoenix. Today’s creation of the Office of Accountability and Transparency is an enormous positive step – alongside many others – that we have recently taken to improve accountability.”

Phoenix Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia called Wednesday's vote a historic moment for the city of Phoenix.

“The testimonies we heard today from families impacted by police violence is exactly why we need this office," Garcia said in a statement. "I am grateful for the community members who have long advocated for this change at the city. I am also thankful to the Mayor and Councilwomen Ansari, Guardado and Pastor for voting for this. The work continues and I hope you will continue to engage our office and the city in the implementation of this office.”

Phoenix councilman Sal DiCiccio released a statement on the oversight board vote:

“What Phoenix did today, was approve the most radical, extremist, and anti-police plan in the entire country. Today’s vote was not about acting for accountability or transparency, but about handing over unlimited power to hate groups.

The defund the police movement is the real deal here in Phoenix. The vast majority of the community supports the police versus this small group of 100 people. These radical anti-police protesters will not stop until they have destroyed the foundations of law and order in our city.
I am so angry and embarrassed for our hardworking police officers, who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. Mark my words, we will lose even more officers and put citizens lives in danger.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.