Tucson Police’s Rare Discipline for Excessive Force Raises Alarms

In a recent analysis of excessive-force complaints against Tucson police officers, it was found that only a small fraction were upheld. Over a five-year period from January 1, 2010, to July 8, 2016, the Tucson Police Department (TPD) received 186 complaints. Of these, just seven were validated, resulting in minor reprimands such as counseling or suspensions for five officers.

Most complaints—179—were dismissed after the Office of Professional Standards concluded that no policies had been violated. Annual complaint totals fluctuated, ranging from 19 to 42. The complaints addressed various forms of force, including the use of firearms and physical restraint methods like batons, Tasers, and handcuffs.

Robert Taylor, a criminology professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, noted that low substantiation rates are commonplace in police departments across the USA. According to Taylor, Tucson’s rate of 3.8 percent is consistent with the national average, which typically lies between 2 to 5 percent. Many witness accounts, he explained, stem from incomplete information, as bystanders often see only parts of an incident.

Despite the low substantiation rate, Taylor praised community members for voicing concerns about police conduct, underscoring the importance of thorough investigations. Police have adapted to greater public scrutiny, emphasizing community perception. As part of ongoing improvements, TPD updated its use-of-force policies in late October. These adjustments aim to enhance the review process for use-of-force incidents.

Capt. Paul Sayre from TPD’s Office of Professional Standards clarified that the evaluation of an officer’s use of force hinges on its reasonableness at the moment, guided by Supreme Court rulings. The Ninth Circuit Court has urged TPD to analyze officers’ actions preceding the use of force more critically.

In line with these developments, TPD is revamping its reporting procedures. Starting in August, officers will use a digital program called IAPro to document use-of-force incidents, fostering quicker responses from supervisory personnel who will now assess incidents at the scene. This proactive approach includes photographing evidence and interviewing witnesses immediately, a change from the previous delayed investigation process.

Additionally, all use-of-force incidents involving impact weapons will be subject to review by a dedicated board. This newly established board, comprising patrol commanders, aims to ensure a more impartial evaluation compared to previous supervisor-led investigations.

As part of an initiative addressing lower-level uses of force, TPD plans to conduct routine audits. This will help identify officers who may require additional training to mitigate the likelihood of escalating force in the future. For incidents involving deadly force, a critical incident review board will now oversee the assessments, streamlining the review process significantly.

The formation of this board includes various stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives in evaluating incidents, including community representatives and legal advisers. Sayre emphasized that transparency and thorough critiques are priorities in overcoming community mistrust.

Recent instances of concern have surfaced, such as a February immigration protest where officers used force, raising questions about departmental conduct. Investigations into this incident are ongoing, while past cases highlight varying degrees of accountability and policy violations among Tucson officers.

Overall, TPD’s revisions reflect a commitment to improving accountability, enhancing transparency, and rebuilding trust within the community. These changes signify a step towards a more responsible approach in how the department handles reports of excessive force.

For more details, contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or 573-4191.