Phoenix Police Shootings Are Going Up

Police shootings are on the rise, both in Phoenix and across the country. In fact, as of March, there were more police-involved shootings in Phoenix than at the same time in 2022, according to data obtained by FOX 10 News.

Per FOX 10, “The police shootings are happening as Phoenix Police Department remains the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice over whether officers have been using excessive force.” Between January and March 2023, there have been 10 shootings involving Phoenix police officers.

The news organization spoke with Interim Police Chief Sullivan back in March, who said, “It’s been a tough two weeks. The amount of deadly force certainly is more than I’ve experienced throughout my career, during the last two weeks.”

In 2022, there were 24 shootings involving the Phoenix Police Department, an increase of 11 from 2021.

In related news, the Phoenix Police Department also ranks number one in the use of deadly force. Per ABC 15:

The organization “Mapping Police Violence” has compiled a database of police deadly use of force going back to 2013. The database contains records of 9,942 deadly force incidents involving police during that time frame. Departments in Arizona account for 437, or 4% of the people that died during an encounter with the police. The data shows that 131 of these encounters happened with the Phoenix Police Department, the second-highest of any department tracked by the organization.

When adjusting for the population of the 10 largest cities Phoenix has a deadly incident rate of 75 people killed per one million. This is nearly double San Antonio, the city ranked at number two that has a rate of 42 deaths per 1 million people. Phoenix’s rate is more than double the remaining eight cities on the list.

However, it is not just Phoenix experiencing police-involved shootings and incidents. The Washington Post reports that, across the country, 1,032 people have been shot and killed by police in the past year. Further, they have tracked 8,524 fatal police shootings since 2015. They also note that “Although half of the people shot and killed by police are White, Black Americans are shot at a disproportionate rate. They account for roughly 14 percent of the U.S. population and are killed by police at more than twice the rate of White Americans. Hispanic Americans are also killed by police at a disproportionate rate.”

The Post also reports that, in 2022, there were only days when a police officer did not shoot and kill someone. They remark, “Since 2017, the number has increased every year, and is now up about 10 percent compared with just three years ago. But criminologists caution that more data is needed to understand what is driving the rise.”

Why are police shootings on the rise?

Per the Post:

With more than 18,000 police departments nationwide, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single reason for the increase, experts said. The rate of violent crime dropped steadily after 2016 but has climbed higher since 2020. Last year, 49 police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty, compared with 61 the year before, according to FBI data.

Some of the potential reasons include a rise in gun purchases across the country, the slow pace of gun reform policies, or the challenge of holding officers accountable. And, “Further complicating an understanding of fatal shootings: Among departments, the number can vary widely from year to year. Two law enforcement agencies in Colorado, the Aurora Police Department and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, were among those with the largest increases in 2022 — from zero in 2021 to six each in 2022.”

And, even as the Post’s tally of police-involved shootings increases, the FBI has recorded fewer shootings over the past eight years. This is likely because, as the Post reports, the FBI “asks state and local departments to contribute voluntarily to its collection efforts.”

Can your attorneys help me if I was a victim of a Phoenix police shooting?

If you were injured in a police shooting in Phoenix or anywhere in Arizona, it is important to get an attorney on your side right away. An attorney can provide valuable assistance in several ways.

• Legal guidance: An attorney experienced in police brutality or personal injury law can help you understand your rights and legal options. They can explain relevant laws and regulations, such as those concerning the use of force by police officers, and help you navigate the legal process.
• Investigation: Your attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and collect relevant documents. This investigation can help establish the facts of the case and determine if and what type of misconduct or negligence occurred.
• Building a case: Based on the evidence gathered, your attorney can build a strong case on your behalf. They will build legal arguments and strategies to support your claim, with the goal of establishing liability on the part of the police officer or the law enforcement agency involved.
• Negotiation and settlement: Often, attorneys will engage in negotiations with the responsible parties or their insurance representatives to seek a fair settlement. Your lawyer will advocate for your interests and work to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Court representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court. They will present your case, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf. Having legal representation can significantly increase your chances of presenting a compelling case and achieving a favorable outcome.

How soon should I call an attorney after a police shooting in Phoenix?

If you were a victim of a police shooting or an act of police brutality in Phoenix or anywhere in Arizona, you need to act fast. In Arizona, if a citizen sues a governmental entity and its employee – such as a city, county, or state police officer – a Notice of Claim must be filed and served upon the offending entity within only 180 days of the incident. Also, there is a shortened statute of limitations which is only one year.

Many claims are lost because a Notice of Claim is not submitted in that short time. That means you can and will be barred from the justice you deserve if you don’t move quickly. It can be a challenge to handle these claims on your own, so please: call our Phoenix injury lawyers as soon as you possible can after the incident so we can get started right away. Two of the partners at Plattner Verderame, P.C. are Certified Specialists in Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation by the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization; we have the experience and skills to handle any complex injury or fatal injury claims arising from a police shooting or act of police brutality.

If you or a loved one were a victim of a police-involved shooting, talk to the attorneys at Plattner Verderame, P.C. today for experienced help. Our legal team will launch an investigation into your case and work to protect your rights every step of the way. Call our office in Phoenix or Tempe, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.