Two Phoenix police officers were placed on administrative leave following a traffic stop on Aug. 5 in south Phoenix, officials said. The officers allegedly used force without activating their body-worn cameras or reporting the incident, prompting a criminal investigation, Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano said.
The two officers involved in the Aug. 5 traffic stop were placed on administrative leave shortly after the incident, Phoenix police spokesperson Cmdr. Mercedes Fortune confirmed. The stop occurred around 11:30 p.m. in south Phoenix, where the officers allegedly used force but failed to activate their body-worn cameras or report the use of force as required by department policy, according to officials. The department’s Special Operations Detail opened a criminal investigation into the officers’ actions on Aug. 17, with details remaining limited at the early stage, Fortune said.
“The allegations are serious, and they do not reflect the standard we expect or the values the public deserves,” Giordano said.
Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano addressed the situation publicly in a message released around Aug. 19–20, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. He stressed that “the actions of a few should never define an entire department” and acknowledged the community’s concerns, stating, “We know there are many questions about the accusations against these two officers, and we understand community concern.” The chief pledged to hold accountable any officers found to have engaged in criminal conduct or misconduct.
Giordano characterized the case as a priority and promised updates as the investigation progresses. He underscored the need for a thorough investigation, saying that investigators require time to ensure all facts are known before drawing conclusions. The chief reiterated that every interaction and decision by officers shapes public perception and that the department is accountable to the community. “Law enforcement professionals are held to higher standards both in and out of uniform,” Giordano said in recent statements, emphasizing integrity, accountability, and sound judgment as core values.
The chief also highlighted that the alleged conduct seen in this case is inconsistent with how officers are trained and does not align with the Phoenix Police Department’s values. He has previously stated that the department will not tolerate actions that undermine community trust and has committed to transparency by publicly communicating investigation findings once available.
Following the criminal investigation by the Special Operations Detail, the department’s Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) is expected to conduct an administrative investigation to determine any policy violations. In past misconduct cases, Giordano has explained that completed reports are reviewed by him and may also be examined by oversight bodies such as the Office of Accountability and Transparency and a Civilian Review Board to ensure thoroughness. The chief has urged public patience during this process, emphasizing the importance of a fair and complete assessment.
Cmdr. Fortune noted that the officers were placed on administrative leave immediately after reports surfaced that they failed to document the use of force or activate their body cameras during the traffic stop. She acknowledged the seriousness of any allegation involving potential criminal behavior by department personnel but said details remain limited at this time. The department has followed its standard practice of placing officers involved in high-profile incidents on paid administrative leave pending investigation.
This incident follows a pattern of Phoenix police leadership placing officers on leave and opening investigations in response to controversial incidents or viral videos. Giordano and former chiefs have consistently emphasized the need for accountability when officers fall short of expected standards. Previous cases, including the arrest of a disabled, deaf Black man and controversies involving ICE protests, have prompted rapid investigations and public acknowledgment of community concerns.
Phoenix police leadership has maintained that self-assessment and correction are essential to department integrity. Former Chief Michael Sullivan urged command staff to never ignore misconduct, a philosophy reflected in Giordano’s approach to this case. The department continues to focus on building and maintaining community trust through transparency, accountability, and adherence to high professional standards.
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