The Dark Underbelly of Phoenix: Uncovering Police Misconduct
In the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona, a city known for its desert landscapes and vibrant culture, there lies a darker underbelly—a system marred by corruption and abuse of power. At the forefront of this injustice stands the Phoenix Police Department (PPD), an entity entrusted with upholding the law but often found guilty of violating it.
22 Arizona Police Officers Punished So Far In 2024
In a year marked by heightened scrutiny of law enforcement, Arizona’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) has taken action against misconduct within the state’s police force. With 37 investigations opened since August, including cases of officers asking suggestive questions to minors and threatening individuals with deadly force, the board has suspended or revoked certifications for 22 officers. Notable cases include Mesa officer Clinton Bertola’s inappropriate interrogation of high school girls and Gilbert Police Officer Andrew Neves’ use of excessive force. These actions underscore AZPOST’s pivotal role in holding officers accountable and safeguarding public trust in law enforcement, emphasizing the need for ongoing reform and oversight.
On a personal note, I wrote a letter to AZPOST and sent them the evidence needed of an arrest record and criminal history of Detective Marchele Miller in 2019, at present still I’ve heard nothing yet.
Arizona’s Law Enforcement Accountability: AZPOST Probes 20 More Cases of Police Misconduct in 2023
Arizona’s law enforcement watchdog, the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST), has intensified its scrutiny of police conduct, opening investigations into 20 new cases of misconduct since March. Allegations include excessive force, bungled investigations, and instances of domestic violence, reflecting a disturbing trend within the state’s police force. Notable cases involve a trooper ordering his police dog to bite individuals and a Tempe officer tasing an unarmed man 13 times. AZPOST’s role in holding officers accountable underscores the importance of transparency and oversight in maintaining public trust in law enforcement.
Arizona Police Misconduct: 17 Officers Under Investigation for Various Offenses in 2023
Marked by a string of troubling incidents, the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) has opened investigations into 17 cases of police misconduct. Among the allegations are excessive force, DUIs, reckless driving, and instances of dishonesty. These cases shed light on internal investigations often kept from public view, ranging from a state trooper’s controversial TikTok videos to a small-town police chief’s DUI arrest. Despite heightened scrutiny, AZPOST’s decisions on disciplinary actions remain pivotal, with some high-profile use-of-force cases resulting in no further action taken.
DATABASE OF DECERTIFICATIONS OF ‘DIRTY COPS‘ FROM AZPOST:
Concealed Crimes: Detective Marchele Miller’s Hidden Past
One even more outrageous example of this misconduct is the case of Detective Marchele Miller, whose own criminal history and arrest record were conveniently concealed from both the public and the defense in a court of law. This deliberate act of deception not only undermines the integrity of our justice system but also raises serious questions about the credibility of those tasked with enforcing the law. Obtaining indictments and testifying in trials, with a known criminal history and arrest record of deception and lying, this kind of officer is a clear and present danger since February 23, 2012.
Operating Under the ‘Color of Law’: The PPD’s Abuse of Authority
The concept of operating under the ‘color of law‘ is not unfamiliar to the PPD. It refers to the misuse of power, typically by government officials, to deprive individuals of their constitutional rights under the guise of enforcing the law. In the case of Detective Marchele Miller, her actions epitomize this abuse of authority, as she exploited her position to suppress vital information that could have potentially exonerated innocent individuals. Ironically, the federal statute requires a 5-20 year prison sentence for this kind of violation.
Phoenix’s Police Oversight Agency Struggles Amid City Interference
The Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT) in Phoenix faced internal challenges as city officials undermined its independence, leading to the resignation of its director, Roger Smith. Despite public claims of robust oversight, documents reveal city officials’ efforts to control OAT’s operations, including blocking the hiring of an experienced attorney, Catherine Bowman. Smith’s departure highlighted ongoing tensions between city leadership and efforts for meaningful police accountability.
Phoenix Police Chief Defends Force Amidst Fatal Shooting
Amidst an orchestrated media campaign by Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan defending the department against federal oversight, officers shot and killed a man, marking the second fatal police shooting in six days. The city’s pushback against a Justice Department investigation into use of force highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and calls for accountability. Yet, interesting that a so-called Law Enforcement Officer in leadership does not recognize the ‘supreme Law of the Land’ of the Federal Government, but believes that he and the PPD can subjugate those in the City Of Phoenix to local laws with severe pains, penalties, and punishment inducing a life of trauma and tragedy.
DOJ Launches Investigation into Phoenix Police Misconduct
The U.S. Department of Justice initiates a comprehensive probe into the Phoenix Police Department and the city of Phoenix over allegations of misconduct, including excessive force and retaliation against protesters. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced the investigation, which will scrutinize various aspects of police conduct, including use of force, discriminatory policing, and treatment of individuals experiencing homelessness. The probe follows a series of controversies, including a crackdown on protests and a high number of police shootings, raising concerns about civil rights violations and accountability within the department.
Just recently the FBI arrested a Phoenix police officer on April 5 for allegedly receiving and possessing thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Gilbert resident Alaa Robert Bartley, 41, was indicted three days later by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. He was charged with one count of receiving child pornography and one count of knowingly possessing child pornography.Bartley faces a sentence of five years to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on the receiving charge. The possession charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years, or 20 years if the pornography depicts a minor who is not yet 12, as well as a fine of up to $250,000.
Pursuing Justice: Advocating for Reform
But my pursuit of justice does not end with exposing the misconduct of the PPD; it extends to holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Through my legal human rights advocacy, Premise GSE, I aim to shed light on the injustices perpetrated by the PPD and advocate for meaningful reform within the department.
Join the Fight: Standing Up Against Injustice
Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a fair and just society. By shining a spotlight on the actions of Detective Miller and others like her, we can begin to dismantle the culture of impunity that has long plagued the PPD. It is time to demand accountability from those sworn to protect and serve, and to ensure that justice is truly blind. As I continue to fight for my own rights and seek redress for the injustices I have endured, I invite others to join me in holding the Phoenix Police Department accountable. Together, we can strive towards a future where the law is upheld with integrity and fairness, and where no one is above the law, not even those sworn to enforce it.
Until next time,
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III