Phoenix is taking a broader look at two former police officers accused of serious crimes, moving beyond the August incident that led to their arrests to examine whether earlier warning signs were missed. The city says the review will also look at the officers’ squad and precinct for possible patterns or systemic problems.
Former officers Antonio Felix and Luis Vasquez were arrested Aug. 22 in connection with an Aug. 5 traffic stop. Both were fired by Police Chief Matt Giordano and face charges including aggravated assault, kidnapping and criminal damage.
The department’s Organizational Integrity and Professional Standards bureaus are reviewing the former officers’ reports, body-camera footage, calls for service and interactions with residents. Phoenix also released their disciplinary records. Vasquez had eight years with the department and had received 14 commendations, while his record included missed court appearances and a reprimand over an incomplete collision investigation and failure to properly activate his body camera.
Felix served nine years and had several counseling and reprimand actions, including incomplete reports and vehicle collisions. He also received five commendations.
The city is simultaneously rolling out Benchmark Analytics software designed to flag performance patterns that could warrant additional supervision or intervention. The effort reflects a growing challenge for police departments: identifying problematic conduct early enough to prevent individual failures from becoming broader questions about an agency’s culture and oversight.
