Phoenix Approved Funding For A Committee That Reviews Alleged Police Misconduct

There's good news for Arizonians living in the city. The Phoenix City Council held a meeting on Monday and approved the budget for a civilian-run review board. It's the first of its kind in the valley that focuses on investigating suspected police misconduct. 

Back in February 2020, 12 News reported that the city of Phoenix got approved for a citizen-run board that would allow some members of the community to investigate alleged police misconduct.

On June 8, however, the PCC voted to approve the budget for the review board known as The Office of Accountability and Transparency. 

Mayor Kate Gallego posted the statement on her Twitter page with officials writing, "Today, Phoenix City Council came together in the midst of one of the most important moments in our nation's and our city's history."

The official statement went on to say that the previous budget approved for the board provided only partial funding; however, the "community challenged us to fully fund OAT in this year's budget." 

In response to the community, the PCC approved full funding for the city's first "civilian oversight of the Phoenix Police Department."

The 3 million dollars in funding comes "from leftover COVID-19 relief money, along with reduced jail costs and savings from closed city-operated facilities due to the pandemic," as reported by 12 News. 

On top of full funding for this new committee, the PCC has made other changes, "including ensuring all front-line officers have body cameras, and bringing more transparency into police operations and data." 

News broke this morning after Phoenix and Scottsdale experienced an 11th consecutive night of protests that ended peacefully.

Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets in response to police brutality and racism across the country. 

The PCC ended its statement by saying it's important that the city builds a community where everyone feels safe and that "Change must continue." 

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.