How will the DOJ report impact recruitment for the Phoenix Police Department? [Video]

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It’s been nearly a week since the U.S. Department of Justice released its investigation into the Phoenix Police Department. The three-year report found officers violated people’s rights, discriminated against certain groups of people and used excessive force.

Now the question is, how could the report impact recruitment efforts?

For years police departments across the Valley and the country have struggled to fill openings and hire officers.

Back in February, Arizona’s Family reported that in 2023, Phoenix PD lost 155 officers to retirement or something else. However, the agency hired 182 officers for a net gain of 27 new officers. It was the first time the department had a net gain since 2019.

“It’s hard when you’re competing for the same applicants within a geographical area,” said Darrell Kriplean, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA). “So you have to really be above everyone else. You have to set benefits packages higher. …