A new Arizona law mandates that all police shootings and related incidents be investigated by the state Department of Public Safety, effective July 1. This legislation prohibits police agencies from conducting their own criminal investigations into incidents involving their officers, ensuring a level of independence in the examination of these high-stakes events.
The law, which aims to promote transparency and accountability, is a response to ongoing concerns about potential conflicts of interest when police investigate themselves. Under this law, the Department of Public Safety will establish a dedicated division to handle these critical investigations, with outcomes reported to the Phoenix Police Department and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office determining any potential charges. With police-involved shootings already occurring multiple times this year in Phoenix, the implications of this change could be significant for local law enforcement practices.
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