Final PSJ Minutes 6-4-25.pdf

Attachment A 
 
Phoenix City Council 
Public Safety and Justice (PSJ) Subcommittee 
Summary Minutes 
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 
City Council Chambers 
200 W. Jefferson Street 
Phoenix, AZ 
Subcommittee Members Present                    Subcommittee Members Absent         
Councilman Kevin Robinson, Chair                  
Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien 
Councilwoman Betty Guardado 
Councilman Jim Waring 
 
 
         
 
CALL TO ORDER 
Chairman Robinson called the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee (PSJ) to order 
at 10:02 a.m. with Vice Mayor O’Brien and Councilman Waring present. Councilwoman 
Guardado attended virtually.    
CALL TO THE PUBLIC  
None.  
MINUTES OF MEETINGS 
1. Minutes of the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee Meeting 
Councilman Waring made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2025, Public 
Safety and Justice Subcommittee meeting. Vice Mayor O’Brien seconded the motion 
which passed unanimously, 3-0. 
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 
2. General Police Towing Services Procurement Update 
Deputy Finance Director Austin Soldano and Police Administrator Court Hood 
presented on this item. 
Mr. Soldano stated the general police towing services is intended to help citizens 
involved in accidents, assist with towing abandoned vehicles, those left in roadways, 
and illegally parked, as well as conduct other law enforcement impounds. The Phoenix 
Police Department (PPD) Vehicle Impoundment Unit houses this program. The Unit was 
established in 2006 which is supported by funds collected via the City’s Towing 
Program. It currently includes 16 positions that monitor and audit the City’s General 
Police Towing Services agreement. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24, there was a total of

$488,100 collected from administrative fees and $1,200,000 collected from auction fees 
for a total of $1,600,000. He recognized although FY 2024-25 has not concluded, total 
revenue has surpassed the $1.6 million collected the prior year.  
Mr. Soldano next showed the precinct boundaries with towing zones. Zone A includes 
the Black Mountain and Cactus Park Precincts, Zone B includes the Desert Horizon and 
Mountain View Precincts, Zone C includes the Maryvale-Estrella Precinct, and Zone D 
includes the South Mountain and Central City Precincts. Further, Mr. Soldano stated the 
City’s current general police towing services agreements are monitored by the PPD 
Vehicle Impound Unit, and administered by the Finance Department, Central 
Procurement Division (CPD). There are currently four contracts covering four towing 
zones, with three vendors total with one vendor overseeing the contract for two zones 
and two other vendors hold the contracts for one zone each. All contracts are currently 
set to expire on December 31, 2026.  
Mr. Soldano stated the staff recommendation is to proceed with a Request for Proposal 
to be issued by CPD on behalf of the PPD. The new contracts would be needed before 
the expiration of the current contracts on December 31, 2026. The term of the new 
contract would be from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2031, with five one-year 
options to extend. He stated the evaluation criteria could include capacity/experience of 
offeror, cost, and method of approach.  
Chairman Robinson asked if the proposed evaluation criteria could include timing to 
ensure the vendors solicited have a response time of 30 minutes or under.   
Mr. Soldano stated the responsiveness and responsibility of all offerors could be 
evaluated to ensure this criterion is met. The procurement officer over the solicitation 
has the right to investigate the records of the offerors to gauge experience and ability to 
meet these services.  
Chairman Robinson asked this be included as a criterion during the solicitation.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if there are any penalties for lack of on-time performance.  
Mr. Soldano stated there is a violation process as a part of contract monitoring.  
Mr. Hood noted that there is a $75 penalty currently in place for each timeliness 
violation. 
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if it is enforced.  
Mr. Hood confirmed yes.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if the total revenue generated from the fees collected cover 
the staffing costs in the PPD Vehicle Impound Unit.

Mr. Hood stated this is currently being evaluated.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if this could be looked at before the solicitation.   
Mr. Soldano stated this could be evaluated and the results shared before proceeding 
with the solicitation.   
Vice Mayor O’Brien moved to approve the item. Councilman Waring seconded the 
motion. 
INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION 
3. Parks Safety Update 
Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director 
Marty Whitfield, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Jarod Rogers, Assistant Police 
Chief Sean Kennedy, and Office of Homeless Solutions Director Rachel Milne 
presented on this item.  
Ms. Aguilar stated the update includes collaborative efforts from the Parks and 
Recreation Department to provide safe, clean, and accessible parks.  
Mr. Rogers stated the role of park rangers is to educate and enforce the Code of 
Conduct. There are two different classifications of rangers, Urban Park Rangers and 
Preserve Park Rangers. Urban Park Rangers patrol urban parks, protect the City’s 188 
parks, and enforce the code of conduct. On the other hand, Preserve Park Rangers 
work in mountain preserves, protect the preserves, and enforce the Code of Conduct. In 
addition to enforcing Code of Conduct violations, rangers also enforce code violations 
which may include unleashed dogs, unauthorized devices, and loitering. Mr. Rogers 
added that Rangers lead with enforcement, however they can issue citations and 
trespass individuals as needed. When an individual is trespassed from a park, their 
photo is logged and names into the database to track repeat offenders and escalate the 
situation when needed.  
Councilman Waring asked how many acres cover all the 188 parks.   
Ms. Aguilar stated this encompasses 10,000 acres of urban park land.  
Councilman Waring asked how many rangers are typically on duty at any given time.  
Ms. Aguilar stated on a typical day, a full team would include six park rangers, three 
vehicles with two rangers, and a ranger supervisor.  
Councilman Waring expressed concerns over the insufficient staffing, although he 
recognized the efforts being done to address this through private security. Additionally, 
Councilman Waring expressed disagreement with the approach of prioritizing education

in situations where park property is being damaged, stating that he would prefer to see 
such behavior met with enforcement. 
Ms. Aguilar stated vandalism is enforced in all cases.  
Mr. Rogers stated if charges are made and a court case is in place, the City could 
recover costs.  
Councilman Waring expressed dissatisfaction with the level of enforcement in cases 
involving damage to park infrastructure. He requested that this issue be reviewed to 
ensure the City is recovering costs associated with park damages, as well as a potential 
ban.  
Mr. Rogers continued with the presentation noting the Code of Conduct was passed by 
the Parks Board in 2021. He stated that signage with more detail on the Code of 
Conduct is posted across parks which allows park rangers to proceed with more 
enforcement when there is a violation. Moreover, Mr. Rogers then detailed the roles of 
each of the Park Ranger classifications. As of 2024, the Urban Park Rangers currently 
have a total of 44 employees which has grown from the 12 positions the City had in 
2019. The Urban Park Ranger Program began operations on September 11, 2023 and 
is a 24 hour, seven days a week operation.  
Mr. Rogers added the Parks and Recreation Department provides quarterly code of 
conduct reports to the Parks Board which provides weekly totals on education contacts, 
trespass and orders to leave, and Arizona traffic tickets and complaints for City Code 
violations.   
Councilman Waring asked for an example on each of the enforcements listed.    
Mr. Rogers stated the education contacts includes those contacts Park Rangers have 
had with the individuals to educate, whether they are in violation, or potentially will be, 
as well as to provide information on park amenities. Trespass and orders to leave are 
more aggressive violations such as vandalizing or loitering a park or using controlled 
substances. The citations for City Code violations include after-hours violations such as 
loitering.  
Councilman Waring asked if each trespass resulted in a Police call for service.  
Mr. Rogers stated the PPD is contacted when a crime is being committed and may 
result in a citation and trespass.   
Mr. Rogers noted that Code of Conduct enforcement has been refined to extend 
enforcement all the way to the streets. Additionally, there are new signs around 
boundaries of fenced parks to communicate the enforcement boundaries to the 
community, as well as updating field operating procedures to ensure park rangers

understand how to best use trespass authority. Mr. Rogers stated some of the violations 
that might result in a one-year trespass from all parks include using, possessing or 
selling drugs or paraphernalia; aggressive intimidation or harassment; endangering self, 
or other wildlife; brandishing or discharging firearms; felony acts; and abusing or 
vandalizing a park.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked how the possession of weapons, such as knives, is classified 
within the list of violations. 
Mr. Rogers stated this would also be included in the violations and result in a trespass.   
Councilman Waring proposed a potential scenario where an individual is pointing a gun 
at one of the City parks. He asked if this will only result in banning for a year.  
Ms. Aguilar stated this is currently how the procedures are written, but increasing the 
threshold for such crimes could be discussed with the Law Department.   
Councilman Waring advocated for a lifetime ban.   
Mr. Rogers continued the presentation by providing detail on the Code of Conduct 
Answering Service which allows residents to report activity in Parks. It is currently being 
operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and calls are handled by a third-party vendor 
who relays the information to park rangers. From September 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, 
the pilot program to execute this service resulted in a total of 836 calls. He indicated the 
intent is to put out a new request for proposal to add a diagnostic tool and create 
ticketing system to track calls from receiving end to the outcomes.   
Chief Kennedy provided an overview of the Police and Parks and Recreation 
collaboration. He stated the Parks and Recreation Department has a trespass log which 
communicates information about individuals who have been trespassed from City parks 
by Park Rangers which is available to Police officers and can result in immediate 
enforcement. Police will also notify park rangers of any arrest which occurs on Parks 
property. Chief Kennedy then provided data on trespassing calls for service and arrests. 
In 2023, the average calls for service was 39 per month, followed by an average of 45 in 
2024. Additionally, Chief Kennedy provided data on the total trespassing arrests and 
citations in lieu of detention. In 2023, the average was 8 per month, followed by an 
increase to 10 in 2024. Next, the total violent crime calls for service in 2023 averaged 
44 and 46 in 2024. The final data set showed the total number of deceased people calls 
for services due to overdose, suicide, heat, medical, homicide, or unknow. In 2023, 
there were a total of 17 deceased individuals, followed by 13 in 2024. In 2025, there has 
been one death.  
Councilman Waring continued to express frustration with the efforts to prohibit 
individuals who are misusing Parks.

Councilman Waring asked what the total in park assets is valued at.  
Ms. Aguilar stated that information is not available but acknowledged the park and 
recreation amenities the City of Phoenix has.  
Councilman Waring asked how the City has benefited from the security services added 
to support the park ranger staffing levels.   
Ms. Aguilar stated there was an addition of security services at 12 parks, as well as 
adding third-shift park rangers which has resulted in more surveillance at parks. 
Security providers were switched in May 2024 which has improved operations by 
requiring the officers have body worn cameras and more extensive background checks.   
Councilman Waring advocated for more strict enforcement to ensure that trespassed 
individuals do not return.   
Mr. Whitfield continued the presentation by providing an update on the Security 
Services Program. He stated it began in February 2023 and service is provided from 8 
p.m. to 10 a.m., which provides some overlap with park ranger shifts. The 12 parks that 
were selected to take part in this Program were selected based on the number of park 
ranger visits, code of conduct violations, trespass notices issued, and Council priorities. 
The current provider has been providing services for over seven years, requires officers 
wear body cameras, and allows them to take photos of contacts. The scope of work 
includes conducting foot patrols, education on the Code of Conduct, inspect park 
amenities, check and lock gates, submit daily reports, and contact Phoenix Police, Fire, 
or Park Rangers as needed. The Program has seen over 16,800 contacts, and common 
activity includes loitering after hours, unattended property, vandalism, and maintenance 
issues. Police assisted 139 times, EMS assisted 27 times, and Park Rangers assisted 
151 times.  
Councilman Waring asked for the total number of individuals encountered who have 
experienced drug overdoses at parks.  
Ms. Aguilar stated the number was between 30-40.  
Ms. Milne stated the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) provides support via two 
dedicated OHS liaisons who are paired with park rangers and maintenance crews. They 
serve Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provide outreach to parks 
where encampments have been reported via PHX CARES and where staff knows there 
have been encampments. The goals of the liaisons are to connect people to services, 
conduct personal property assessments, store property, and resolve encampments.  
Councilman Waring asked for further clarification on the outcomes of efforts made by 
groups to provide services to individuals in parks.

Ms. Aguilar explained that one of the challenges with food distribution is that the food 
provided may be unhealthy, and it can leave behind remnants, along with individuals 
who may remain and leave drug paraphernalia. She also noted that providing medical 
care presents issues, as it can result in biohazard materials being left behind. 
Councilman Waring asked if the Parks and Recreation Department has a hazmat unit to 
pick up remnants from such biohazardous activities.  
Ms. Aguilar stated a company is contracted to pick up such biohazardous materials 
when discovered at parks.  
Councilman Waring asked if the parks where the activity takes place is shut down until 
the company can come and address the biohazard.  
Ms. Aguilar stated Parks staff will take immediate measures needed to safe out the area 
until the material is addressed. 
Councilman Waring asked if providing services on City Parks is allowed.  
Ms. Aguilar stated there is a reservation process that allows individuals to get a permit 
to have a feeding event which allows Staff to understand the type of activity, as well as 
more insight into the time, place, and manner.  
Councilman Waring suggested that individuals who have been banned should no longer 
be eligible to receive a permit.  
Mr. Whitfield continued the presentation. He stated in November 2023, the Parks and 
Recreation Department received $300,00 in American Rescue Plan Act funding which 
allows the Department to launch the Neighborhood Park Activation Grant Program. 
Since January 2024, provided the work that has been done for Park Activations. Since 
January 2024, 47 neighborhood organizations were awarded grants for park activations 
which has led to 39 Parks have been activated. Recently, temporary mobile security 
cameras were installed at Cortez, La Pradera, Cesar Chavez, and Perry Parks. The 
Parks were selected due to ongoing challenges and negative activity. In addition to 
other features, the cameras allow staff to have remote access via their smartphone. In 
October 2024, the Phoenix City Council amended City Code to make it unlawful for any 
person to camp in a park or preserve. Camping in a park or within 500 feet of a park is 
not permitted. As a result of this amendment, the Parks and Recreation Department had 
updated and installed camping ordinance signage at 43 parks locations which were 
selected by OHS, PPD, and Park Rangers based on the frequency of calls for service. 
Additionally, a new component of the Parks Master Plan that was identified was 
assessing crime through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). 
The scope of CPTED includes assessing 29 parks with aged infrastructure to develop 
recommendation to improve park environments, improve safety, and ultimately prevent 
crime.

Ms. Aguilar stated next steps for continued parks safety efforts includes commitment to 
park safety and ongoing work with Law Department which includes the evaluation of 
Code of Conduct and City ordinances, which includes feeding and medical care on park 
property, as well as stricter enforcement following trespasses. The Law Department is 
looking to see if ordinances can be enhanced or clarified and can include options for 
penalties, including graduated penalties. Staff intends on returning to Council in Fall 
2025 to provide some of the recommendations.  
Councilman Waring suggested pursuing restitution from individuals who have damaged 
park infrastructure, even in cases where prosecution does not occur. 
Ms. Aguilar stated this will be discussed with the Law Department.  
Lastly, Ms. Aguilar concluded by noting that park activations will continue to deter 
negative activity. She added that due to the increase in the City’s Transaction Privilege 
Tax, the Parks and Preserve Initiative Fund will see an increase anywhere from $7-$9 
million in the next four years. With that increase, additional park rangers and security 
personnel may be hired.  
Councilwoman Guardado asked if the Parks and Recreation has conducted an analysis 
to determine the number of Parks Rangers that would be needed to support activity at 
Parks.  
Ms. Aguilar stated a team of rangers of 12 would be ideal as it would provide two 
additional rangers per shift. The estimated cost would be $1.5-1.8 million, not including 
first-year and ongoing costs. Additionally, as the team grows, she noted it will be 
important to have additional personnel to oversee the Parks Rangers. She stated there 
are currently 104 Park Rangers and 44 of those are on the Urban Team with the rest in 
the preserves. Ms. Aguilar stated aside from one other municipality, the City of Phoenix 
has the most park rangers.  
Councilwoman Guardado asked that this analysis be conducted to better understand 
staffing needs. She also advocated for additional camera monitoring at Parks as she 
has seen improvements as some of the Parks that have previously had cameras to 
address activity.  
Ms. Aguilar acknowledge the cameras have been helpful. She stated the Parks 
Department is working to look at how long-term cameras can be added and tied to the 
City’s network so that monitoring can be accessed by Parks staff, as well as the Police 
Department’s Real Time Operations Center (RTOC).   
Councilwoman Guardado asked how feasible it would be to add cameras that would be 
connected to the RTOC.

Chief Kennedy confirmed it is possible to do so as long as the cameras are compatible 
with the Milestone Platform used at the RTOC.  
Councilwoman Guardado asked staff to look into this.  
Councilwoman Guardado asked how frequently individuals are trespassed before PPD 
is contacted.  
Mr. Rogers stated the data would need to be pulled to determine how frequently it 
occurs.  
Councilwoman Guardado inquired whether the PPD has the authority to issue trespass 
orders in cases involving illegal activities. 
Chief Kennedy confirmed and stated this is done in collaboration with the Parks 
Department Park Rangers since the trespassing log is maintained by Parks.  
Councilwoman Guardado asked if the Parks Department Park Rangers needs to be 
consulted with prior to someone being trespassed, even if the crime is observed by 
officers. 
Chief Kennedy stated that if a crime is observed, PPD will act and arrest, and let Parks 
know that an arrest has been made. The Parks Department will then advise on what the 
trespass length needs to be.  
Councilwoman Guardado asked the total damages to Park infrastructure be shared.  
Councilman Waring asked whether security personnel are also responsible for advising 
individuals to clean up after themselves as part of their job duties. 
Ms. Aguilar confirmed there has been less trash and vandalism since security is able to 
enforce this.  
Councilman Waring acknowledged that cameras are effective, but that they will not 
replace having more park rangers and security.  
Tony Bradley described various experiences of drug users at City Parks and advocated 
for something to be done to address this.  
Ginnie Ann Sumner expressed support the expanded use of security personnel and 
expressed appreciation for the willingness of the Parks Department in working with 
neighborhood associations.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien requested that the staffing analysis be carried out in a manner that 
effectively addresses the City’s park ranger staffing needs. She asked what the current 
vacancy rate is for park ranger positions.

Ms. Aguilar noted it fluctuates but she estimated the urban park ranger team currently 
has a third vacancy.  
Vice Mayor asked if there are vacancies in the security contract.  
Ms. Aguilar stated that the contract requires a certain number of personnel to be on duty 
at all times, and this requirement is currently being met. 
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked whether security services could be expanded to cover 
daytime hours to ensure adequate personnel during periods when the City is short of 
park rangers. Additionally, she suggested implementing longer trespass bans for 
individuals who abuse park properties and pursuing restitution. Vice Mayor O’Brien 
asked if enforcement against trespassing by individuals carrying weapons or using drug 
paraphernalia has become more stringent compared to four years ago. 
Ms. Aguilar explained that the current internal operating procedures allow for up to one 
year, but this is being revised to make a one-year trespass ban automatic for all City 
Parks, eliminating any subjectivity. Additionally, parks staff are collaborating with the 
Law Department to identify other areas where the trespassing threshold can be 
increased. 
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if direction has been given to park rangers to enforce the 
one-year trespass.  
Ms. Aguilar confirmed it has been communicated to park rangers, and this is being 
enforced. 
Vice Mayor asked if the code of conduct phone number was shared with the community.  
Ms. Aguilar stated this was promoted on social media, shared with Neighborhood 
Services Department, and several Council Offices.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if the phone number is posted at Parks.  
Ms. Aguilar confirmed.  
Councilman Waring requested that Parks and Recreation staff actively enforce 
misconduct in the parks, ensuring that inappropriate behavior is not tolerated.   
4. Trails and Heat Safety Program                                
Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director 
Brandie Barrett, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Jarod Rogers, and Assistant Fire 
Chief Mark Gonzales presented on this item.   
 
Ms. Barrett stated the Parks and Recreation Department is committed to building 
healthy communities through parks, programs, and partnerships. She added the

Department, and the Phoenix Fire Department have a long standing partnership to 
ensure the mission extends to the mountain parks and preserves.  
 
Mr. Rogers stated the preserve system has a total of 41,000 acres of mountain parks 
and preserves, as well as over 200 miles of trails. He noted living in a desert climate 
heat has continued to present challenges for over a decade which impacts trail users 
and first responders. Under the Phoenix City Charter, Chapter 23 establishes the roles 
of the Parks and Recreation Board, and through City Code, Chapter two, Article 16, the 
Board is specified as appropriate authority to take action to implement policies that 
modify hours for trails and park sites for safety reasons. Currently, the Trails Heat 
Safety Program details that trails are restricted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on any day the 
National Weather Service issues an extreme heat warnings at Camelback Mountain, 
Piestewa Peak Summit Trail, and select trails at South Mountain. The selected trails 
were identified to be difficult to extremely difficult, as well as rescue to be very complex. 
 
Chief Gonzales described a video showcasing a mountain rescue which is a long 
operation and showcases the reasons trail restrictions are in place. He stated these 
incidents are typically complex and require multiple units, often long in durations when 
compared to other calls for service, and patient care and safety are the priority. Chief 
Gonzalez presented a chart displaying mountain rescue data from May through 
September from 2021-2024. He noted there was a decrease at Camelback Mountain 
and Piestewa Peak in 2021 when the Heat Safety Program was implemented. However, 
there was an increase in mountain rescues at South Mountain which justified the 
request to expand the program. Next, he presented another chart comparing mountain 
rescues by temperature for each mountain, noting instances where multiple rescues 
occurred on the same day at the same location, often handled by the same fire crew. 
He also addressed the misconception that mountain rescues primarily involve out-of-
town visitors, revealing that 70 percent (469) of rescues over the entire year were from 
Arizona residents, while 30 percent (201) were from out of town. During the May to 
September period, 69 percent (198) were local residents and 31 percent (91) were 
visitors. Further analysis showed that only one percent of Arizona-based patients came 
from outside the Phoenix Metropolitan Area throughout the year and during the summer 
months. Additionally, Chief Gonzales provided a breakdown of the types of 
emergencies encountered during mountain rescues. 
 
Chairman Robinson asked what would be required to successfully complete a mountain 
rescue.  
 
Chief Gonzales stated there would be around eight units sent to address the rescue. If 
there are multiple patients, the total resources would increase. During the heat season, 
this would also be increased for secondary protection to Fire staff as well.  
 
Chairman Robinson stated that such efforts remove personnel and equipment from 
normal operations which may in turn result in increased response times.

Mr. Rogers provided next steps includes continuing efforts in volunteerism and utilizing 
technology. Additionally, he stated the partnership with the Office of Heat Response and 
Mitigation allows park stewards to be trained how to best conduct summer outreach at 
trailheads. The Parks and Recreation Department is looking at research technology to 
use real time closure data to ensure people are aware the trail is closed, as well as 
improving maps. Additionally, there is an opportunity to update the marketing and 
informational campaign of the “Take a Hike. Do it Right.” Campaign which could 
emphasize the risks and better prepare hikers on the complexities of trails.  
 
Vice Mayor O’Brien expressed appreciation for the efforts to take a data-driven 
approach to address the safety needs of residents and first responders.  
5. Electric Bicycles (E-Bike), Electric Scooter (E-Scooter) and Motor-Driven Cycle 
(E-Cycle) Safety   
Police Commander Leif Meyers presented on this item.  
Commander Leif began by defining the electric bicycles (E-Bikes) which is a bicycle or 
tricycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor under 750 
watts, meeting the criteria of one of three classes: 1, 2,3. A Class 1 bike is equipped 
with fully functioning pedals and motor and provides pedal assist, with a maximum 
assisted speed of 20 Miles Per Hour (MPH). Class 2 includes all features of Class 1 but 
also has a throttle. Class 3 is an enhanced version of Class 1, allowing riders to reach 
speeds up to 28 MPH. E-Bikes do not require license, registration, or insurance. 
According to Arizona Revised Statute Title 28, they are not classified as vehicles and 
Driving Under the Influence laws do not apply to E-Bike riders. Enforcement falls under 
Phoenix City Code 36-504, which prohibits E-Bikes on sidewalks. Additionally, per 
Phoenix City Code 36-510, the minimum age to operate an E-Bike is 16 years old. 
Additionally, Commander Leif defined an Electric Stand-Up Scooter (E-Scooter) as a 
device weighing less than 75 pounds, powered by human effort, an electric motor, or 
both, featuring two or three wheels, handlebars, and a maximum speed of 20 MPH. He 
explained that E-Scooters are regulated similarly to E-Bikes and must be equipped with 
a white light and red reflector when operated at night. Enforcement is governed by 
Phoenix City Code 36-304, which prohibits E-Scooters on sidewalks. Furthermore, 
Phoenix City Code 36-308 sets the minimum age for operating an E-Scooter at 16 years 
old. 
The final category includes motor-driven cycles and pocket bikes (E-Cycles), which are 
classified as motorcycles. These vehicles are equipped with fixed posts and do not have 
pedals. Commander Leif explained that when operated on private property, E-Cycles do 
not require a license; however, laws regarding DUI, accidents, and reckless driving still 
apply. On public roadways, both the cycles and their operators must meet all motorcycle 
requirements, including registration, insurance, eye protection, and a driver’s license 
with an “M” endorsement. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 years old.

Enforcement is carried out under Phoenix City Code 28-904, which prohibits E-Cycles 
on sidewalks. Phoenix City Code 28-3151A establishes the motorcycle license 
requirement, and Phoenix City Code 28-964.A mandates eye protection and helmets for 
riders under 18. 
Councilman Waring asked how many citations are being issued for violations relating to 
inappropriate use of the aforementioned bicycles. 
Commander Leif stated the PPD is educating more than enforcing, unless there is a 
crime suppression focuses.  
Councilman Waring asked if there have been any fatalities.  
Commander Leif stated there has been one fatality which occurred between a E-Bike 
and E-Scooter which collided.  
Chairman Robinson asked when the educational contacts will stop, and enforcement 
will occur.   
Commander Leif stated there is a 30 to 45 day educational campaign which seeks to 
prioritize education and outreach prior to enforcement. This 45-day campaign will be 
supported by social media, signage, and community and school focused educational 
efforts.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if any of the bicycles can be confiscated if they are in 
violation of the law.   
Commander Leif stated the motor-driven cycles are required to have insurance, and if 
they do not, they will be impounded.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked this information to be shared with school districts to ensure 
broad communication.  
Jeff Rosen commented on an ongoing issue at Stonecreek Golf Club involving E-Bikes. 
He advocated for enforcement versus education.  
Chairman Robinson asked the information presented be shared to all Council Offices.  
6. Phoenix Police Department MOU with Department of Public Safety for Critical 
Incidents   
Assistant Police Chief Ed DeCastro presented on this item.  
Chief DeCastro stated if there is a critical incident, which may include an officer involved 
shooting, in-custody death, and any other incident at the Chief’s discretion, the 
investigation is handled internally by PPD. Under ARS 41-1762, which is effective June 
30, 2025, all Police agencies would be required to use an independent agency for

critical force incidents. The PPD has chosen to have the Arizona Department of Public 
Safety (ASDPS) to perform the investigations. As a result, the AZDPS will be allotted 
funding to create the Major Incident Division to perform the aforementioned tasks for 
any agency in the State. If a critical incident occurs, AZDPS will be notified of the 
incident with assistance of a PPD Homicide Supervisor liaison to assist with collecting 
information. Additionally, AZDPS will work with the City’s Victims Advocate Division. 
The PPD will also have discretion to release information for any emerging urgent 
purpose. AZDPS will honor PPD’s Critical Incident Briefing video protocols, as well as 
Professional Standards Bureau investigations. Any disputes or disagreements over the 
investigations will be handled by agency chiefs.  
Chairman Robinson acknowledged the importance of including a provision that allows 
the City to release information for emerging or urgent purposes when necessary, 
particularly in response to community requests. 
Chairman Robinson asked how AZDPS has been preparing for the transition.  
Chief DeCastro stated AZDPS has been shadowing at all critical incident scenes for the 
last seven months to observe processes and procedures, as well as meeting personnel.   
7. Phoenix Police Department Recruitment, Hiring, and Attrition Update 
Police Commander Sara Garza presented on this item.  
Commander Garza presented on the total recruit applications which she noted has 
doubled since June 2024. Based on current data, the PPD is on track to surpass last 
year’s total female recruit applicants. Additionally, there has been an increase in the 
total of laterals and reinstatement applicants which are those that have transferred to 
the PPD. Notably, the recruit class totals have seen an increase when compared to 
2024 with Class 3 of 2025 containing 46 recruits which is record setting when compared 
to the past five years. Commander Garza noted the PDD is adding an eighth academy 
class, which will result in an increase of the number of recruits being trained each year 
by estimated 40 recruits. 
Moreover, Commander Garza shared the success the recruits have had with the 
Success with Effort and Training (SWET) Program which prepares them to pass the 
Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT). She stated the PPD has not had any 
recruit fail the POPAT and she stated it is attributed to the SWET Program.  
Commander Garza provided insight into Senate Bill 1287 which goes into effect in 2026 
and is intended to assist with attrition for officers that need to take time off to help their 
family and come back when they are finished taking care of their family. Commander 
Garza expressed appreciation for various stakeholders for their support.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Commander Garza 
and former Deputy Chief Osborne for bringing the matter to the attention of the City

Council. She also expressed appreciation for Senator David Gowan for sponsoring the 
Bill and Governor Hobbs for signing the Bill.  
Commander Garza shared the Police and Fire Career Experience event resulted in 29 
police applicants and 16 police communications operators applied onsite.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if there are any barriers to lateral or reinstatement hires.  
Commander Garza stated they are required to go through the Academy, and any other 
specific City of Phoenix trainings.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked what the process is when off boarding individuals who 
choose not to finish the academy.  
Commander Garza stated there are exit interviews which seek to determine why the 
individuals chose not to finish off the Academy. She added this is sometimes due to 
injury.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if there have been any changes to the Academy that have 
assisted in an increase in making candidates more successful. 
Commander Garza stated there has been a focus on mental resiliency, emotional 
regulation, and mindfulness to allow them to be successful during the Academy and 
throughout their entire career with the PPD. The preparation during the Academy has 
prepared more recent recruits to go out into the field.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if data on Academy success rate is being collected to 
compare with previous years.   
Commander Garza stated there is a four percent increase in Academy success rate and 
that it is being tracked.  
Councilwoman Guardado expressed appreciation for recruitment efforts.  
Chairman Robinson recognized the importance of the career development that takes 
place during the Academy and expressed appreciation for efforts to enhance and 
strengthen the Academy experience.  
INFORMATION ONLY 
8. Community Assistance Program (CAP) Expansion Implementation Report  
Information only. No councilmember requested additional information. 
9. Phoenix Fire Department Staffing and Response Times Update 
Information only. No councilmember requested additional information.

Orla Bobo advocated for additional funding towards the Phoenix Fire Department to 
assist with response times.  
CALL TO THE PUBLIC  
None.  
 
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 
None.  
 
ADJOURNMENT 
Chairman Robinson adjourned the meeting at 12:35 p.m. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
Destiny Dominguez 
Management Fellow