Families affected by Phoenix police discrimination react to Justice Department report

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Justice Department’s investigation into Phoenix police found civil rights violations and officers used excessive force. But the report does not say whether the city of Phoenix will have to fix the problems itself or whether Phoenix officers could fall under federal government oversight.

A group gathered in downtown Phoenix on Friday demanding accountability and change.

Families directly affected by the actions described in the investigation said the hearing into the Phoenix police’s alleged misconduct was an emotional day.

On Friday, Dravon Ames, whose case made national headlines five years ago, shared his feelings.

“I feel like black and brown people didn’t have a voice, that it didn’t happen. So it’s important that the Justice Department says all of this and has evidence of what we’ve been asking for, demanding and protesting. We didn’t do all of this without a reason. Now it’s documented by the Justice Department,” Ames said.

The case, which also involved Ames’ fiancée Lesha Harper, highlighted that Phoenix police have one of the highest shooting rates in the country.

In June 2019, the couple sued the department for excessive use of force.

According to police, the couple’s four-year-old daughter stole a doll from a Dollar General store in Phoenix.

Officers confronted the family, and a video taken by a bystander went viral, showing the officers drawing their weapons and cursing at Ames, Harper – who was pregnant at the time – and their children.

No charges were filed in connection with the incident and at least one officer was fired.

The family reached a settlement with the city after alleging that officials violated their civil rights and used brutal methods.

Following the publication of the report on Thursday, the family feels confirmed in their impression that the officials discriminate against certain groups.

“They’ve done their due diligence and made sure they’re doing everything right. They have their findings and their findings are based on facts. They’ve reached out and talked to a lot of people who have had these experiences. A lot of the facts and stories in there come directly from the people,” Ames said.

The report cites a shocking number of cases in which the agency has targeted people of color. It says that black and Hispanic drivers are more likely to be cited or arrested than white drivers.

“I hope they understand the results and the evidence. Something has to change,” Ames said. “How do you solve the problem that already exists? People can’t work because of their criminal record. It’s not equal, we’re all created equal. What happens next to do damage control? How do you make up for what’s already happened?” he asked.

Despite these long-standing complaints from the public, the city still claims it is “not aware of any credible evidence of discriminatory policing,” according to the report.

“Hopefully there will be change, I believe there will,” Ames said. “There is documented evidence that you are not crazy. What you have been through will come to light and be heard.”

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