Feds to probe Phoenix police over excessive force, homeless abuse

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Justice Department is launching a widespread probe into the police force in Phoenix to examine whether officers have been using excessive force and abusing people experiencing homelessness.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the investigation Thursday into the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department.

The probe will also examine whether police have engaged in discriminatory policing practices and will work to determine if officers have retaliated against people engaged in protected First Amendment activity, he said.

The new investigation is known as a “pattern or practice” — examining whether there is a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing — and is generally is a sweeping review of the entire police department.