PHOENIX – The City of Phoenix has reaffirmed its commitment to community trust as it investigates three recent police incidents. The cases include the arrest of a hearing-impaired individual, an officer-involved shooting inside a dollar store, and a law enforcement response to reports of guns on a local school campus.
The Phoenix Police Department’s Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) launched an investigation in late August into the arrest of Tyron McAlpin, an individual with hearing impairment, after an incident that raised community concerns. The PSB also began investigating the two additional incidents that occurred this past weekend.
Each case will undergo a thorough review by the City’s civilian oversight agencies, including the Office of Accountability and Transparency and the newly formed Civilian Review Board. Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan is also conducting a personal review of the cases. The City of Phoenix plans to share investigation outcomes with the public upon completion.
Following the Department of Justice investigation, the Mayor and City Council emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in addressing police misconduct. In response, city leadership is focusing on improving the handling of cases involving youth and vulnerable individuals, as well as enhancing overall police accountability.
In relation to the school incident, Phoenix Police responded to reports of a person with a gun at a school event over the weekend. Officers conducted a large-scale response, which included deploying a Taser when a juvenile did not comply with officers’ commands. No firearms were ultimately located.
“We are committed to working alongside students, parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure the safety of our schools,” Phoenix Police stated. Officers are prepared to collaborate with schools to develop and refine safety protocols for future events.
Phoenix officials reaffirm their commitment to improving police policies and maintaining community trust by prioritizing transparent, fair investigations into each incident.
