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  3. Preliminary Agreement Includes Phoenix Police Reforms

Preliminary Agreement Includes Phoenix Police Reforms

Apr 26, 2021 | Police Reforms

It’s time for the negotiation of a new contract between the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), the union representing the Phoenix police. According to the city, a tentative agreement has been reached. And that tentative agreement covers more than just the usual issues of pay rates, overtime, and similar matters. It also includes a number of reforms dealing specifically with the relationship between the police and the community.

The memorandum of understanding, which is being presented to the Mayor and City Council for approval, includes a number of topics dealing with issues that touch on transparency and accountability. Those issues include, among others, the following:

  • It removes language warning citizens of possible criminal charges resulting from false complaints against a police officer. The language, it was felt, discouraged citizens from filing legitimate complaints against the police.
  • At the discretion of the chief of police, a pre-termination hearing can be set immediately if an officer is involved in a job related-felony. Any waiting period has been eliminated.
  • It explicitly permits non-police individuals (for example, the civilian oversight committee) to investigate officers.
  • Officers will no longer be able to use vacation time in lieu of suspension time.
  • It no longer contains language permitting police witnesses to meet with the union prior to being interviewed by investigators.
  • It sets 10 categories of past discipline that will remain available for consideration for the entire career of the officer when considering discipline, promotions, and transfers. Those past categories include alcohol or illegal drug use while on the job, ethics policy violations, dishonesty, theft, falsifying documents, and others.

At this point, while there appears to be general agreement among the negotiators for both sides on the main provisions of the new agreement, the entire contract must first be approved by the City and the union. If that occurs, it will become effective on July 1.

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