TJ L’Heureux
Audio By Carbonatix
After exactly six months without shooting a single civilian, Phoenix police officers shot and killed four in 41 days. They shot an additional two people during interactions during that period.
It’s not clear whether the half-year of non-violence or the recent surge has anything to do with policy changes, but the latter does happen to coincide with the beginning of new Chief Matt Giordano’s tenure leading the beleaguered department.
In light of the increase in “officer-involved shootings,” and following a Phoenix New Times story about it, Giordano issued a press release on Wednesday outlining actions he and top brass are taking to better ensure officers de-escalate dangerous situations.
“We understand how deeply concerning this is to our community and we share your concern,” Giordano said in the statement. “We remain committed to continuous improvement. Policing demands courage, split-second decision making, and compassion in the toughest moments. While every situation is different, and often rapidly evolving, we continue to place a focus on de-escalation strategies and the use of less-lethal options whenever possible.”
Giordano’s response to this string of shootings reflects a far more outspoken public relations strategy than was undertaken by his predecessor. Former interim Chief Michael Sullivan tended to keep quiet even as police killings rose from 10 in 2022 to 12 in 2023 and 14 in 2024. Communication with both concerned community members has been among Giordano’s expressed priorities as he has taken on the new role.
“Even if I come out to deliver a message that the officers might not want to hear,” Giordano said during a press conference on Aug. 13, “the fact that I’m willing to come out, explain what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and listen to them — that’s half the battle.”
Among the new policies Giordano enacted are launching are a department-wide “refresher” on use of force, as well as a new training review process for officers involved in shootings that will focus on de-escalation, communication and tactics.
Giordano also said he wants to incentivize more officers to become certified in the department’s “Crisis Intervention Training” program, which is designed to prepare officers to interact with people experiencing behavioral and mental health crises, and expand the use of less-lethal tools like Tasers and pepper ball launchers. (Though, it is worth noting, the first person killed by Phoenix police this year died after being hit in the heart by a less-lethal stun baton.)
“These efforts reflect our commitment to learning from every incident, refining our practices, and strengthening community trust,” Giordano said. “I am proud of the dedication and professionalism our officers regularly show in serving this community and will continue to support them with the training and tools they need to protect and serve effectively.”
The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association — the union that represents Phoenix cops — did not respond to a Phoenix New Times inquiry about its response to Giordano’s pledge to implement the new policies. PLEA had previously been critical of Sullivan’s reform efforts.
