Tucson Police Hold Back Records on Excessive Force Reports

The Tucson Police Department delayed the release of records concerning excessive force complaints for over seven months. When finally disclosed, the names of the involved officers were omitted.

On July 8, the Star requested detailed records related to excessive force complaints investigated between January 1, 2010, and July 8, 2016. The information sought included the number of complaints filed each year and the outcomes of these complaints—whether they were sustained or dismissed.

The findings showed a pattern where Tucson police officers were seldom suspended for excessive force complaints. Only five officers faced suspension during the specified period.

When the Star received the report in late February, the document contained comprehensive details such as the case number, incident date, type of investigation, status, report number, allegation, violation, finding, and action taken. Crucially, the sections designated for employees’ names and ID numbers remained blank.

On March 10, the Star made a follow-up request for the identities of the officers who were suspended. Despite a two-week wait, the names were not provided.

The Star then reached out to TPD’s Chief of Staff. Shortly after, the names and incident summaries for each suspended officer were released.