Phoenix PD is making some important changes and it needs your help

Phoenix, Arizona: The Phoenix Police Department is looking for feedback on the new 'First Amendment Facilitation and Management' policy. Once finalized, this policy will serve as the guide for how the department responds to large scale gatherings in the community.

The department has outlined its comprehensive Civil Disturbance Response Plan, aimed at ensuring public safety while upholding the First Amendment rights of citizens. You can view the whole policy and submit your feedback here. 

Maintaining Order During Public Events

The Phoenix Police Department is tasked with managing peaceful public gatherings such as parades, protests, and other events that may involve large crowds. Their approach to managing these events is twofold: to protect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while ensuring the safety of the public and preventing the escalation of violence. Specially trained units, known as the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), are deployed to maintain public order in large gatherings and respond to civil disturbances when necessary.

Protecting First Amendment Rights

The department emphasizes the importance of respecting First Amendment rights, which include the freedom of speech and the right to assemble. The policy states that all employees must protect the rights of individuals to freely organize, participate in lawful assemblies, and observe and record law enforcement activities without retaliation.

Key rights recognized include:

Freedom of speech and expression, even in the presence of law enforcement officers.

The right to organize lawful assemblies and protests in public forums.

The right to observe and record law enforcement actions in public spaces.

Public Safety Response Team (PSRT)

To handle situations where large crowds may pose a threat to public safety, the Phoenix Police Department has established the PSRT. This specially trained unit is designed to respond rapidly and effectively to civil disturbances, maintaining public order and minimizing the risk of violence.

In situations where crowd control becomes necessary, various techniques may be employed, including containment, dispersal tactics, and preparations for potential arrests. The department also outlines procedures for crowd management, which involve working with event organizers to ensure lawful assemblies remain peaceful.

Incident Management and Unlawful Assemblies

The Incident Management Team (IMT) plays a critical role in handling complex or large-scale events. Under the direction of the Police Chief or City Manager, the team coordinates with various sections, including operations, planning, and logistics, to manage public safety objectives.

Unlawful assemblies, where there is a breach of peace or a threat of violence, are dealt with more decisively. Law enforcement is trained to identify and address individuals engaging in unlawful acts, while attempting to allow peaceful participants to continue their demonstration safely.

Handling Planned and Unplanned Events

The Phoenix Police Department categorizes events into planned and unplanned occurrences. Planned events, such as those requiring a permit, allow law enforcement to work closely with organizers to plan for public safety. The department's Community Engagement Unit (CEU) is responsible for liaising with event organizers to gather information and ensure the event proceeds without incident.

In contrast, unplanned events, such as spontaneous protests, are often peaceful but can escalate quickly. When officers arrive at the scene, they evaluate the situation and determine if additional resources are needed to maintain order. If the situation escalates, the PSRT may be deployed to manage the crowd and prevent violence.

Declaration of Unlawful Assembly

The declaration of an unlawful assembly is a rare step taken only when an assembly poses a significant threat of violence or destruction of property. Prior to declaring an unlawful assembly, officers are instructed to attempt to remove individuals engaging in unsafe behavior while allowing the peaceful demonstration to continue. If the situation deteriorates, dispersal orders are issued, and safe egress points are provided to participants.

Arrests and Enforcement

While arrests are not the primary goal during these events, they may become necessary to restore order when individuals engage in unlawful activities. Arrests are to be used sparingly and only for serious criminal behavior, ensuring that the focus remains on maintaining the peace without infringing on the rights of peaceful protesters.