Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee
Agenda Items (13)
CALL TO ORDER
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION (ITEMS 2-5)
Fireworks Safety Task Force Update
25-2431Police HEAT Unit Overview
26-0080City of Phoenix 2025 Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team Report - Citywide
26-0042Summary
This document is the 2025 annual report from the City of Phoenix Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team (DVFRT). The team, comprised of members from various city departments and community agencies, reviews domestic violence fatalities and near-fatalities to identify systemic gaps and recommend improvements. The 2025 report focuses on a homicide case where the perpetrator geo-tracked and stalked his estranged wife to locate and murder her new partner. The report details the case timeline, victim and perpetrator backgrounds, and the incident itself. Key recommendations include expanding domestic violence education and prevention programs, particularly focusing on healthy relationships and the appropriate use of technology; exploring the expansion of sentencing statutes to include a domestic violence enhancement; and ensuring annual DVFRT reports are presented to local government agencies to promote system-wide improvements. The report also includes an update on the implementation status of recommendations from the 2023/2024 report, covering areas like crisis response protocols, medical follow-up, and training related to strangulation.
Citizen Impact
This report highlights the critical issue of domestic violence and its tragic outcomes in Phoenix. The recommendations aim to improve prevention, education, and response systems, which could lead to enhanced safety for victims and survivors and potentially reduce future fatalities and violence within the community.
Confidence
high
Community Assistance Program (CAP) Expansion Implementation Report
26-0036Summary
The Community Assistance Program (CAP) expansion implementation report details significant growth and operational adjustments. In December 2025, CAP responded to 1,502 calls for service, a substantial increase from previous periods. The Behavioral Health Units (BHUs) experienced a 96% increase in calls for service in 2025 compared to 2024, assisting 591 adults and 64 children. Crisis Response Units (CRUs) remained consistent but expanded to full 24/7 citywide coverage in January 2026 through shift realignment. Recruitment efforts have increased positions, leading to a 21% vacancy rate, with a new class of Crisis Intervention Specialists beginning in January 2026. Calls transferred from Police Communications to CAP Behavioral Health Dispatchers saw a 128% increase in 2025, reflecting improved collaboration. A new 911 triage question was implemented on December 15, 2025, to better direct calls to appropriate services.
Citizen Impact
Residents can expect more responsive and specialized behavioral health crisis interventions, with increased capacity and improved coordination between police and mental health services. The expansion aims to provide better support for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Confidence
high
INFORMATION ONLY (ITEMS 6-7)
Phoenix Fire Department Staffing and Response Time Report
26-0035Summary
This report details the Phoenix Fire Department's staffing and response times as of December 31, 2025. The department has seen a significant increase in authorized sworn positions, growing by 157 to a total of 2,027, funded by Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) revenues. This increase is driving accelerated recruit training academies to fill new roles and support new fire stations and apparatus. The department has also transitioned to a fully online recruitment testing format for greater flexibility and accessibility, with 803 candidates participating in the latest written exam. Response times for critical emergency medical service (EMS) incidents show a citywide average of 7:17 for the first arriving ALS unit, 5:45 for the first arriving engine to a fire, and 9:13 for ambulance critical EMS. The report notes that while response times had been rising due to population growth, recent strategic investments in personnel, equipment, and infrastructure have helped stabilize them. Emergency patient transportation activity shows a consistent upward trend, with 8,823 patient transports in December 2025, a 1.6% increase from the previous year.
Citizen Impact
Residents can expect improved emergency response capabilities due to increased firefighter staffing and training. While response times have stabilized, the 1.6% increase in patient transports highlights growing demand on emergency services.
Confidence
high
Phoenix Police Department Recruitment, Hiring and Attrition Update
26-0087Summary
This report provides an update on the Phoenix Police Department's recruitment, hiring, and attrition data from February 2025 through November 2025, with comparative data from 2024. Key metrics include:
- Total Filled Sworn Positions: Decreased from 2,618 in November 2024 to 2,472 in November 2025.
- Recruits in Academy: Increased from 146 in November 2024 to 180 in November 2025.
- Total Recruit Applicants: Saw a significant increase from 232 in 2024 to 428 in 2025.
- Total Lateral/Reinstatement Applicants: Increased from 180 in 2024 to 204 in 2025.
- Attrition: The report details separations by years of service and type (Retired, DROP, Early DROP, Other), with a notable increase in separations for those with less than 1 year of service (44 in 2024 vs. 61 in 2025 year-to-date).
- Academy Retention: The retention rate for recruits in 2025 was 90.2%, an improvement from previous years.
Citizen Impact
The data indicates a decrease in the total number of filled sworn positions within the Phoenix Police Department, which could potentially impact response times and public safety services. However, there is an increase in recruit applicants and academy retention, suggesting efforts to bolster the force are ongoing.
Confidence
high
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
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