(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice has rejected a “patterns and practice” report from a Biden administration investigation into the Phoenix Police Department.
U.S. Rep. Abraham Hamadeh, R-Arizona, announced the rejection. Hamadeh, who met with Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, called the Biden administration’s actions politically motivated and baseless.
“I promised our law enforcement officers before taking office that I would end the weaponization of our judicial system and work with President Trump’s Department of Justice to undo the damage wrought by the Biden Administration,” said Hamadeh in a press release emailed to The Center Square.
Hamadeh also met with FBI Director Kash Patel for talks on what the congressman viewed as Biden’s “targeted attacks” on police officers.
“I am grateful to President Donald Trump and his team of patriotic professionals dedicated to the men and women of our local law enforcement agencies who run to the sound of danger to keep our communities safe and secure,” Hamadeh said. “Our officers did everything right, voluntarily cooperating in good faith, opening their records and participating in lengthy interviews.”
Despite their actions, Hamadeh said Phoenix police officers were met with “stonewalling, mischaracterized testimony, and a final report riddled with glaring inaccuracies” about the department and officers.
The investigation by the Biden DOJ lasted three years and resulted in a 2024 report alleging officers used excessive force, arrested people experiencing homelessness, unlawfully disposed of their belongings, discriminated against people of color and those with disabilities, and violated the rights of people engaged in protected speech and expression.
In a press release, Dhillon said, “Overbroad police consent decrees divest local control of policing from communities where it belongs, turning that power over to unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats, often with an anti-police agenda.”
“Today we are ending the Biden Civil Rights Division’s failed experiment of handcuffing local leaders and police departments with factually unjustified consent decrees,” said Dhilon.
Organizations that support law enforcement are thanking Hamadeh for his efforts. The Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association is one example.
“While we very much appreciate the support of everyone who advocated on our behalf, we know that Congressman Hamadeh took the fight to an important level,” said PPSLA President Ben Leuschner. “Today justice was won for the residents we are sworn to protect and serve as well as our members.”
Paul Sheldon, president of Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, said he looks forward to partnering with Hamadeh in the future. Sheldon said they share a “goal of keeping our communities safe.
Support for the Phoenix Police Departmant was also expressed by the city of Phoenix. Spokesperson Dan Wilson said the city recognizes the sworn officers’ and professional staff’s “professionalism, dedication and integrity.”
Improvement efforts will continue, he told The Center Square in an email.
“Throughout the course of the Department of Justice investigation, the Mayor, City Council, City Manager’s Office and the Police Chief have tirelessly focused on enhancing policy, training and accountability measures to ensure the best public safety for everyone who lives, works and plays in Phoenix,” Wilson said.
