Former Assistant Phoenix Police Chief Weighs In On Citizen Review Proposals

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 - 1:06pm
Updated: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 - 1:08pm

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Phoenix police headquarters
Christina Estes/KJZZ
The front entrance at Phoenix police headquarters.

The Phoenix City Council will review proposals to improve police accountability. 

The Phoenix Police Department came under scrutiny last summer after officers drew their weapons and shouted profanities as a family accused of shoplifting. Afterward, the city held several town halls for residents to express their concerns over policing.

Kevin Robinson, a criminal justice lecturer at Arizona State University and former assistant Phoenix police chief, joined The Show to talk about the citizen review proposals before Phoenix council members. Robinson chaired the agency’s discipline review board for a dozen years.

There are two options before the City Council. One creates a civilian police ombudsman and a community relations coard. Robinson gave his perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of that model.

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