2024 Year in Review

The past year has been one full of successes, challenges, and heartbreak for the Phoenix Police Department. As we close out 2024, we are hopeful for a safe and positive 2025 as we continue to serve our community with excellence.

This year, the Phoenix Police Department suffered the loss of one of our own. Officer Zane Coolidge, a young officer, husband, father, son, and friend, was shot in the line of duty and taken from us too soon. We must remember the sacrifice and the danger that officers face to keep our community safe. It is important that we continue to show support for those out there doing this difficult work every day, and their families.

Despite our staffing challenges, the sworn and professional staff of this Department have devoted themselves to preventing, reducing, and solving crime. We remain victim-centered, and community engaged.

The Phoenix Police Department will continue to strive to be a self-assessing and self-correcting agency while looking for additional ways to increase accountability and transparency.

CRIME TRENDS

The City of Phoenix saw a decline in crime across several categories reported in the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Final numbers will be available in the first quarter of 2025, but overall crime is estimated to be down approximately 4%, with homicides expected to see a significant decrease of around 28%.

An important element of fighting crime is c ommunity involvement. We continue to focus on community engagement and increasing the public's trust. We believe these efforts have contributed to our success in reducing, preventing, and solving crime.

In June, after months of work from the Department's sworn and professional staff, we unveiled the 2024 Crime Reduction Plan . The Crime Reduction Plan focuses on preventing and minimizing criminal activity in Phoenix, while striving to enhance the quality of life for both businesses and residents. Like the previous year's plan, the 2024 plan has the same strategic priorities of focusing on the most violent offenders, the most active areas, prohibited gun possessors and those with warrants. Additionally, it relies on data driven strategies, lessons learned and emerging trends we saw in 2023 that indicated a need to address the fentanyl epidemic and the increase in juvenile violent crime.

To that end, the Department has seen a decrease in homicides involving juveniles. During 2023, 23 juveniles were arrested for homicide. In 2024, that number dropped to 7. The number of juvenile homicide victims also decreased from 23 to 15.

The Department participated in many successful investigations this year. Here are just a few highlights:

• Operation Makeup Breakup was an organized retail theft investigation that took place in the spring of 2024, making multiple arrests and recovering thousands of dollars in stolen property.
• In May, a five-day, multi-agency initiative, Operation Full Court Press, took place to proactively addressed violent offenders in Phoenix. During the operation, 570 arrests were made, over 3,700 fentanyl pills seized, nearly 30 grams of methamphetamine seized, and 25 firearms seized.
• The Department partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office for a nearly two-year investigation into a hotel in the northern part of our city that was operating as a brothel. The investigation resulted in the shutdown of the hotel, a seizure of the property and warrants being issued for its owner and manager. A huge win for that neighborhood.
• In October, Phoenix Police arrested two individuals who were responsible for burglaries targeting stores across Phoenix and Glendale. Their crime spree resulted in approximately $315,000 worth of stolen goods and caused around $150,000 in property damage.
• For nearly a year, the Phoenix Police Department and federal law enforcement partners joined forces for Operation Night Owl, a complex drug, money laundering and conspiracy investigation. The investigation resulted in hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs, thousands of dollars, and dozens of firearms being taken off the streets.
• After 18 years, an arrest was made in February 2024 in the case of Baby Syklar. The case began in 2005 when a newborn baby girl who was found deceased at Sky Harbor International Airport. This was one of many cold cases solved by arrest this year. Our investigators never give up on finding answers for the families and getting justice for victims of violent crimes.

RECRUITMENT

Staffing the Phoenix Police Department remained a challenge in 2024. Recruitment efforts for sworn personnel remain strong with the emphasis placed on finding the best and brightest who have the qualities, skills, and desire to serve and represent our amazing Phoenix community. Along with television, radio, print and digital advertisement, Phoenix Police forged partnerships with Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Arizona Christian University and Arizona Diamondbacks to showcase the career possibilities available with Phoenix Police. In 2024, the Department took in 2,274 applications for sworn police officers with 158 individuals ultimately starting the Phoenix Police Academy.

​RESERVE DIVISION

In 2024, the Phoenix Police Department's Reserve Division continued its vital role in law enforcement. The Division is made up of 138 officers, detectives, and supervisors, who are integrated into daily operations and special events. The Reserve Division staffed 95 major events, including the NCAA Final Four, while providing 42,316 hours of service valued at over $5.3 million. Reserve officers work in areas such as Patrol, Homeland Defense, and Specialized Units, seamlessly supporting career counterparts during emergencies and special events. This year also marked the graduation of Reserve Academy Class R73, whose recruits are now contributing across multiple precincts. Reserve officers undergo the same hiring, background checks, and AZPOST training as career officers. Many are former career officers who bring specialized skills and decades of experience, contributing a combined 40,000 hours each year in service. The Phoenix Police Reserve Foundation enhances the Reserve Division by funding critical equipment, academy uniforms, and scholarships. In 2024, the foundation provided ballistic vests, two Ford trucks for Reserve detectives, and other resources that strengthen the division's commitment to safety and community service.

ASSAULTS ON OFFICERS

Although violent crime is trending down in our community, violence towards our officers is on the rise. It is a troubling and unacceptable trend. This year we experienced the tragic on duty loss of Officer Zane Coolidge. In that same incident, Officer Matthew Haney was also shot. Thankfully, he is on the road to recovery. The trend of officers being shot did not end there.

This year, there were 14 incidents where officers were on the receiving end of gunfire. Officer Coolidge lost his life, and 4 others were injured. Additionally, an officer was seriously injured during an incident when a suspect stabbed the officer. These incidents represent a complete disregard for law enforcement, the important role officers play in our community and the sanctity of life. Despite these violent attacks our officer-involved shootings were down from last year. We have trained our officers well and will continue to take the next steps in advanced training to minimize the risk to our community members and officers as they put their lives on the line every day and night to keep our community safe.

NEVER TOO LATE TO HONOR OUR FALLEN

In the words of Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan, "It's never too late to do the right thing." And that's just what Phoenix PD did in 2024. Fallen Officer David "Star" Johnson was recognized for the sacrifice he made while serving the community of Phoenix 80 years ago. On May 2, 1944, Officer Johnson was working the walking beat near 200 E. Jefferson Street when he made a traffic stop that led to an argument. Tragically, he was shot and killed in the line of duty. Although he was the second Phoenix police officer to lose his life in the line of duty, his death was never officially recognized, until this year.

Thanks to the extensive research done by Department Historians Sergeant Vincent Cole, and retired Lieutenant Rob Settembre, as well as the efforts by the Executive Team, and City leadership, Officer Johnson received recognition this year from both the City and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

A documentary was released in the spring about Officer Johnson's story and a historical marker was placed near the site of the shooting on the 80th anniversary of his passing.

VICTIMS RIGHTS

One of the guiding principles of the 2024 Crime Plan is for the Department to be victim centered. In line with that principle, in August a new customer service tool was launched to enhance communication with crime victims. The new Victim Information Portal provides 24/7 access to information to victims about their case, along with automatic alerts and updates regarding arrests sent via text or email.

The Department also completed a significant renovation to the Phoenix Family Advocacy Center to improve the atmosphere when we serve our most vulnerable victims of domestic violence, sexual assault,and child crimes. This was made possible by the Phoenix Police Foundation and the City of Phoenix, including the Mayor and Council.

DOJ INVESTIGATION

In June, the Department of Justice released its findings report after a nearly three year investigation into the City and the Police Department. The City took time to review and digest the report. In August, the City released an interactive website that provides materials related to incidents identified by the DOJ. City officials continue productive discussions with Department of Justice officials.

The City of Phoenix remains committed to developing a path that moves our city and its police department forward. These improvements include but are not limited to what was outlined at the September 24, 2024, policy session during which Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council unanimously adopted a series of measures to increase police accountability and transparency and improve public safety. The Department has already completed several of these initiatives and have many other in progress. A comprehensive outline of the status of these measures was presented to the City Council on Wednesday, December 10, 2024. These measures will be incorporated into a longer-term plan that is currently being developed. The Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Police Chief remain focused on continuous improvement in our responsibility to serve and protect the community while building trust through transparent, and effective and constitutional law enforcement practices.

NEW TECHNOLOGY

In 2024, two Real Time Operation Centers (RTOC) opened. A RTOC leverages the use of technology to fight crime in a designated area of a precinct. In January, Cactus Park Precinct's RTOC went fully operational targeting the 27th Avenue Corridor. In August, the Desert Horizon Precinct's RTOC launched to help fight and deter crime along the 19th Avenue Corridor. The use of this technology immediately aided in reducing crime, improving case solvability, locating outstanding suspects, and has assisted in proactive crime suppression efforts. It has been a force multiplier in the citywide collaborative efforts of the Community Safety Plans, improving quality of life for residents and businesses in the project boundaries.

On November 1, 2024, the Department added two new incident types to the online reporting system. Theft from a business and graffiti were added to the list of crimes that can be reported through our online reporting system. The addition of 'theft from a business' will allow for more efficient reporting and thus saving critical time rather than waiting for an officer to arrive on scene.

Over the summer, the Special Assignments Unit (SAU) began using a new agile mobile robot that resembles a dog. Its name is Spot. After months of training, Spot joined the collection of tools that SAU has available to assist them during tactical situations. The robot provides new abilities that other technology does not, such as the ability to open doors, traverse uneven or loose terrain and climb stairs. The robot is equipped with multiple cameras, giving officers the ability to see in real-time the area it is in. All the features that Spot has the capability of can help provide better service to the community and improve officer safety during high-risk incidents.

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Once again, the Valley was host to large sporting events, putting Phoenix in the national spotlight. In April, we hosted the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four tournament along with the Final Four Fan Fest, Men's Final Four Dribble and the March Madness Music Festival all held in Phoenix.

Over the summer, Phoenix hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, bringing fans into the downtown area for three days of events. These major events take months of planning and multiple agencies working together. Both major events went off without a hitch and had no major security incidents. The success of these national events is a testament to the working relationships with our federal, state, county, and local partners. These partnerships have become the model, nationwide, for these types of large events.

COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT

There are a number of events throughout the year the Department takes part in around our city to engage with our community. Our Community Action Officers (CAO's) remain active in their precincts and have become an integral part of reducing and solving crime through their constant engagement and community trust building activities.

Currently, there are 12 Police Chief's Advisory Boards representing multiple communities within Phoenix. Quarterly meetings are held with these groups and members assist with other events throughout the year. This is a great way for our officers to connect with the 12 specific communities.

Over the year, the Cool Treats Van, a van that passes out dairy-free frozen treats, attended 170 events around Phoenix.

Throughout the fall, over 80 G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) events were held. These events showcase the importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight for a safer Arizona.

Multiple drug take back events were coordinated throughout the year. During the October event, in partnership with our police precincts and the Drug Enforcement Administration, 661 pounds of medications was collected and properly disposed of.

NEW FACILITIES IN 2025

Work on the new Phoenix Police Headquarters has continued throughout the year. It is expected that in 2025 employees will start to move into the new building located at 100 W. Washington Street.

During 2024, a location was identified for a new Cactus Park Precinct building. In 2025, we look forward to a groundbreaking for the new public safety building on the southeast corner of 31st Avenue and Thunderbird Road.

The Phoenix Police Department is grateful for the community support and engagement. Because of that incredible partnership we have one of the safest major cities in the country. As we look forward to another year of continuous improvement, we renew our vow to strengthen our partnership with our community, increase transparency and continue the outstanding service Phoenix deserves.

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