North Pima News

Rep. Julie Willoughby (R-Ariz.) has joined forces with fellow Arizona House Republicans in a letter addressed to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, urging her to reject any potential consent decrees proposed by the Department of Justice (DOJ). This appeal comes in the wake of a two-year DOJ investigation into the Phoenix police department.

Willoughby asserts, "To preserve Arizona's sovereignty consistent with our state constitution, you must reject the DOJ's coercive consent decree."

The investigation into the Phoenix Police Department and the City of Phoenix was launched in 2021. The objective was to "assess all types of use of force by PhxPD officers, including deadly force," according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs. The probe also aimed to ascertain whether there were instances of retaliatory activity against people for conduct protected by the First Amendment, discriminatory policing, or unlawful seizure or disposal of belongings belonging to homeless individuals.

On Monday, anticipating the outcomes of this investigation, lawmakers sent their letter to Gallego. They expressed concerns that a consent decree might be issued, which would transfer control of the department to the DOJ. As per an article from AZ Central, a consent decree primarily aims to halt or limit use of force while promoting accountability within police departments and fostering long-term policy reform.

Should Phoenix receive such a decree, federal monitors would oversee law enforcement and progress on reforms. If declined, this could lead to legal battles and Phoenix could become the largest city in America to have rejected a consent decree.

The lawmakers' letter states: "As you know, the DOJ has used consent decrees to remove local control from police departments in metropolitan cities across the United States." It further highlights that surrendering local control over critical agencies like these has had disastrous effects on public safety and taxpayers alike. The letter warns that considering a DOJ consent decree could potentially trigger a significant exodus of police officers, especially at a time when the Phoenix police force is already severely understaffed.

Willoughby has been serving District 13 since May, stepping into the role vacated by Rep. Liz Harris (R-Ariz.). A graduate in registered nursing from Arizona State University, she currently works as a trauma ER registered nurse with HonorHealth, according to Ballotpedia.