Attachment A 01.07.2026 PSJ Subcommittee Minutes_Final Draft.pdf

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Attachment A 
 
Phoenix City Council 
Public Safety and Justice (PSJ) Subcommittee 
Summary Minutes 
January 7, 2026 
City Council Chambers 
200 W. Jefferson St. 
Phoenix, Arizona 
Subcommittee Members Present                    Subcommittee Members Absent         
Councilman Kevin Robinson, Chair 
 
Councilwoman Betty Guardado  
Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien 
Councilman Jim Waring 
 
CALL TO ORDER 
Chairman Robinson called the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee (PSJ) to order 
at 10:03 a.m. with three members present.  
CALL TO THE PUBLIC 
Roberto Borbolla, the owner of Family Landscaping LLC thanked Public Safety staff, 
expressed his discontent with the gun violence in communities and recommended the 
City utilize external agencies to assist.  
MINUTES OF MEETINGS 
1. Minutes of the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee Meeting 
Chairman Robinson made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 4, 2025, 
Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee meeting. Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien seconded 
the motion which passed unanimously, 3-0.  
INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION (ITEMS 2-4)  
2. Office of Accountability and Transparency Update  
Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT) Director Shannon Johanni presented 
general updates on the office including becoming 100 percent staffed, presenting at the 
National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement Conference, 
establishing a working relationship with the Family Advocacy Center, reviewing 159 
Department Administrative Investigations, with 37 reports published to date and the 
Police Department agreeing with 23 of 25 recommendations. Ms. Johanni explained the 
Police Department has implemented operations orders for 20 recommendations and 
department disagreement with recommendations were isolated to two reports and fact 
specific. She shared the agreed upon recommendations focused on robust Professional

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Standards Bureau (PSB) investigations and transparent documented reasoning to 
support decision-making.  
Ms. Johanni explained robust PSB investigations include reviewing all available relevant 
evidence, including body worn camera footage, conducting interviews and addressing 
all potential policy violations or misconduct alleged or raised. She stated 
recommendations in progress also include detailing in custody-death evaluation criteria 
and providing written analysis of conclusions and decisions by PSB, the Critical Incident 
Review Board (CIRB) and the Police Chief. Ms. Johanni emphasized OAT has not yet 
verified whether operations manual changes improved outcomes but will continue 
reviewing investigations to ensure revisions enhance accountability and transparency 
and will release reports in late 2026 on investigations conducted after the department’s 
implementation efforts.  
Ms. Johanni conveyed the Civilian Review Board (CRB) will hear OAT’s reports and the 
Police Department’s response approximately 60 days after publication. She noted OAT 
will connect with each Council district as the board meetings are scheduled throughout 
the City. Ms. Johanni announced the CRB has held four meetings to date and adopted 
all OAT recommendations. She added OAT’s mediation director has conducted seven 
Department level community mediations, addressing systemic or policy level concerns. 
Ms. Johanni provided an example of a recent successful mediation where a community 
member was frustrated by the lack of communication, poor customer service, and lengthy 
process from the public records unit and unit leadership was able to address the 
concerns. 
 Ms. Johanni presented on OAT’s Community Engagement Team which has connected 
with more than 15,000 community members since 2024. She shared the team has begun 
piloting its Youth Outreach Program where 24 students participated and reflected on the 
issues and needs, they see in the community. She thanked the Public Safety and Justice 
subcommittee.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien questioned which schools the Outreach Program will be working 
with.  
Ms. Johanni replied they will meet with each Council district to identify schools.   
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked have particular schools been identified and is the program 
currently at South Mountain.  
Ms. Johanni replied the program is currently at South Mountain High School.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if the program is continuing through the semester.  
Ms. Johanni replied yes, the team conducted surveys at the beginning and end of the 
program to see what students thought. She shared OAT is working on refining 
partnerships with schools and refining the curriculum to ensure student needs are met.

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She explained the first five weeks of the 11-week curriculum remain fixed, while the 
other five weeks are tailored to the student interest survey conducted at the semester’s 
start to address community-specific issues such as education, law, and policing.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if the students were surveyed after completion.  
Ms. Johanni stated the students were surveyed after completion and the team is 
working on putting that information together.  
Chairman Robinson asked Ms. Johanni to explain the process of breaking the tie when 
OAT and the Police Department disagree on recommendations.  
Ms. Johanni stated the first two disagreements were in the beginning stages of OAT’s 
work and the tie breaker is the Civilian Review Board. She explained OAT tries to 
understand what the Police Department’s concerns are and resolve those before 
reports are released. 
Chairman Robinson asked her to give an example of what type of issue would be 
mediated between a police officer and someone who is making a complaint against a 
police officer.  
Ms. Johanni stated an example is when an officer responds to a call and, in the heat of 
an escalated situation, uses coarse language that may seem unprofessional or 
upsetting to community members, by swearing around children. She explained many 
complaints stem from perceived rudeness or misunderstandings, such as when an 
officer explains they cannot take a collision report based on policy, which gives the 
community member a chance to understand while expressing their frustration. 
Chairman Robinson thanked Ms. Johanni for the presentation and acknowledged the 
work OAT is doing.  
3. Animal Ordinance Update Overview  
Lieutenant Karen Hudson presented Animal Crime Investigations which began in 2022 
and currently Sergeant Milo Kaufman serves as the Subject Matter Expert and Rainey 
Sharer serves as a Police Civilian Investigator (PCI) on animal-related issues. She 
shared the department conducted peer city research and found Maricopa County 
Sheriff’s Department has a dedicated animal crimes detail while other peer cities refer 
animal crimes to their general crime detectives.  
Lieutenant Hudson announced the language update after 2023, impacting what is 
considered cruel neglect or adequate shelter neglect which helps officers to better 
define if a person is violating a shelter ordinance. She added, since the ordinance 
update, the animal cruelty bookings have increased by 15 percent over a two-year 
period.

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Lieutenant Hudson stated the department provided a training video, so officers 
understand how to investigate animal crimes. She announced the 311-system update 
which allows citizens to report violations of tethering, animal cruelty and shelter. She 
reported 249 complaints overall and the difference between the Arizona Humane 
Society which conducts cruelty investigations and Maricopa County Animal Care and 
Control which handles licensing.  
Lieutenant Hudson presented the effects of the new ordinance Senate Bill (SB) 1658 
which only requires unreasonable suffering and allows officers to easily identify animal 
suffering. She added there is a City Code allows for no exceptions and staff can enforce 
this code regarding individuals experiencing homelessness with an animal. She 
explained SB 1658 replaced the requirement of protracted suffering with unreasonable 
suffering in animal cruelty laws, making it easier for officers to intervene without waiting 
for prolonged harm. She added this change was prompted by the Chandler 55 case, 
where authorities were delayed in rescuing animals due to the previous standard. 
Councilman Waring questioned if the Department provides guidance if owners need 
assistance with an animal issue and if that ever happens.  
Lieutenant Hudson stated yes, people call for those things, and they do a welfare check 
with the Humane Society to ensure the individual is educated on how to handle animals 
and assist.  
Councilman Waring requested staff ensures that the community is aware and educated 
on what the rules are.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked is staff provides information about other resources other than 
Humane Society.  
Lieutenant Hudson stated the City has a contract with the Humane Society which 
makes the organization the primary contact.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien stated the department can explore later and talk offline.  
Lieutenant Hudson stated the Bureau continues to meet monthly with the Arizona 
Humane Society, update policies, increase the number of liaison officers, conduct post-
academy trainings and hold quarterly meetings.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien thanked Lieutenant Hudson for the presentation and asked if the 
Bureau alongside the Neighborhood Services Department provided education and 
outreach after the bookings and citations.  
Sergeant Kaufman stated the numbers provided are based on arrests done in the field 
and are reviewed by staff. He explained cases may be submitted to the Arizona 
Humane Society, Neighborhood Services Department, or to Maricopa County.

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Vice Mayor O’Brien stated there is a long list of things to track, but it is important to 
know how cases ultimately end up in the system as the department makes 
modifications and changes.   
Ms. Bays replied they will look into how staff can track that information, if there are 
changes that need to be made and how staff can make those changes.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien shared her appreciation for the work being done and the 
presentation.  
Chairman Robinson thanked Lieutenant Hudson and the Animal Crimes Investigation 
Team for their work and presentation.  
4. Police Hiring, Recruitment and Attrition Monthly Update  
Commander William Jou stated the update reflects the Police Departments ongoing 
efforts to improve hiring and staffing. Commander Lou reported as of October 2025, 
there are 2,493 filled sworn positions and 144 recruits, totaling 2,637, with academy 
recruits nearly doubling from 83 to 144 in a year. He reported applications surged in 
2025, with January receiving 518 compared to 234 in 2024 and October reaching 504 
compared to 380, reflecting successful hiring strategies as the Police Department work 
toward 3,125 sworn officers. 
Commander Jou reported the department received 503 applications from female 
candidates and 2,541 from male candidates in 2024, which increased in 2025 to 813 
female applicants and 3,716 male applicants. He explained, this alongside a 62 percent 
increase in female applicants, reflects the department’s efforts of targeted outreach and 
commitment to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. 
Councilman Jim Waring stated, over a three-year period the Police Department has less 
applicants based on slide two and the number of recruits does not make up for the lack 
of officers.  
Commander Jou reported the Police Department hired 159 recruit officers and 8 lateral 
officers in 2024, increasing to 206 recruits and 17 laterals in 2025. He added female 
hires grew slightly from 22 in 2024 to 23 in 2025, reflecting continued efforts to attract 
women and strengthen both pipelines through targeted outreach and career 
development opportunities. He reported the Police Department engaged with Dr. Tanya 
Meisenholder, the Director of gender equity for policing at New York University, who 
praised the department for their commitment and recruiting practice during the 
department’s 30 by 30 Initiative. He shared Dr. Meisenholder helped identify areas of 
improvement, such as increased visibility at women- focused expos and job fairs. 
Commander Jou added the department partnered with the Police Foundation on 
December 6 to host a brunch where over 30 female applicants joined female officers to 
discuss career opportunities. He announced Commander Julia Egea has agreed to lead 
the initiative.

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Commander Jou reported the department strives to employ a diverse department 
reflective of the community with Hispanic and White applicants making the largest 
groups followed by Black and Asian applicants. He noted there's still room to improve in 
representation across several groups in reference to actual hires.  
Commander Jou reported attrition is highest among officers with less than one year of 
service and those with over 21 years, driven by early career adjustment challenges and 
retirement eligibility. He stated the Organizational Integrity Bureau, led by Commander 
Bryan Knueppel, is formalizing exit interviews, analyzing early intervention data to 
enhance employee wellness and retention and monitor stressors that could lead to early 
retirement.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien referenced the slide including projected DROPS and asked if the 18 
projected drops for November and December due to those officers reaching their 
maximum DROP period.  
Commander Jou replied yes, those individuals would be their five-year or seven-year 
DROP.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if these individuals are retiring because there is no 
alternative. 
Commander Jou replied yes. 
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if the numbers could be higher if an individual decided to 
leave prior to their DROP or chose to not utilize DROP.  
Ms. Bays replied yes, that is correct.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien asked if there is a way for staff to have an indication of others in the 
pipeline that were supposed to retire during those months given the timeline.  
Ms. Bays replied staff is trying to provide projected separations that they are sure of.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien thanked Ms. Bays for the clarification and expressed her concern 
regarding retirements especially those who retire prior to their full DROP years. She 
asked Commander Jou to clarify how exit interviews are being conducted.  
Commander Jou stated the department has been doing exit interviews but are starting a 
newer process due to concerns with individuals leaving within less than a year. He 
explained individuals that are leaving early are meeting with executive staff to provide 
feedback and the department has expanded that to a more formalized process in 
collaboration with Human Resources. He added the Organizational Integrity Bureau will 
handle statistical information intake regarding the exit interviews.

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Vice Mayor O’Brien restated the exit interviews will be conducted for all officers, not just 
those who were with the department for less than a year.  
Commander Jou replied yes.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien expressed frustration with the timing of the incorporation of the exit 
interviews and asked how many officers are retiring without using DROP.  
Commander Jou replied staff does not have that number currently but will provide it at 
the next update.  
Ms. Bays stated the data can be provided, staff does not have it currently.  
Commander Lou reported on a previous request from the Subcommittee to provide peer 
city research regarding recruitment efficiency. He reported Phoenix Police Department 
demonstrates competitive performance and recruitment efficiency when compared to 
Houston and San Antonio. He explained the department’s recruitment process averages 
130 days, with the fastest hires completed in 60 days, compared to three to six months 
in other cities. He stated Phoenix runs the most academies compared to those peer 
cities with a smaller average class size and less background investigators.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien stated she understands the City has significantly less background 
investigators, is there a need for additional background investigators to assist the 
department and could the class sizes be larger.  
Commander Leif Myers reported in 2025, the Police Department hired over 200 recruits 
and maintained an 85 percent retention rate, the highest in three years. He added, 
currently, four academy classes with 120 recruits are operational, with another class 
starting pre-academy on January 20 and a graduation scheduled for January 28. He 
explained the top reasons for attrition since 2023 are personal reasons, rule violations, 
and proficiency concerns. 
Councilman Waring asked if the Police Department is looking at the strengths of the 
candidates instead of the weaknesses to utilize them in other roles.  
Commander Myers replied most of the proficiency concerns are based on safety in the 
firing range which cannot be ignored.  
Councilman Waring asked if staff is finding alternative placements in civilian roles so 
recruits that have come far into the process can still serve the community.  
Commander Myers stated yes, before a recruit is removed from the academy, staff 
communicate with Employment Services to look for viable opportunities within the City. 
Commander Myers reported personal reasons is the primary reason for attrition and 
shared the department has modified the academy by reformatting family night to instill 
positive family dynamics, food, and academy tours to reassure families of recruit safety

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and success. He added, before recruit dismissal, there is a conversation with command 
staff to provide feedback, discuss performance, and allow the recruit extra time to 
discuss with family before making a final decision.  
Commander Myers reported the field training program is operating at a 91 percent 
retention compared to 71 to 72 percent in 2024. He added over the last three calendar 
years, 445 officers have completed or are in training; 356 remain active sworn officers, 
64 separated, and 25 transitioned to civilian roles. He reported 80 percent of officers in 
training have maintained City employment. 
Commander Jou stated in 2026 the Police Department is looking to continue to achieve 
competitive hiring timelines and the 2026-2027 plan is to include strategic planning for 
the 30 by 30 Initiative and staffing increases at employment Services and the Police 
Academy with the Council’s permission.  
Chairman Robinson requested Chief Giordano come up to the table and noted the 
academy is placing an emphasis on providing the resources needed for recruits to be 
successful and asked Commander Myers to speak to the efforts the department is 
making to retain them.  
Commander Myers stated the department has shifted the academy to an adult learning 
environment by offering numerous attempts and recognizing the recruit’s progress.  
Chairman Robinson noted past academy practices focused on high-stress 
environments that encouraged attrition and modeled negative behaviors, but the 
department has shifted to an adult-learning approach. He stated, the Police Department 
is still deficient in police officers and to hire more people, the department has to 
increase the number of staff in the Recruitment Bureau. He asked Chief Giordano to 
address that and explain where the department will be six to twelve months from today. 
Chief Giordano stated the department is losing before their DROP period ends for 
various reasons and he is working to improve morale and retention by engaging directly 
with precincts and addressing concerns. He explained the department has shifted from 
excluding candidates to supporting success while maintaining State standards. Chief 
Giordano added the department aims for 40 strong recruits per class and strategically 
increase hiring by reallocating experienced officers to Employment Services to shorten 
timelines. He acknowledged the department is short and is adjusting to improve staffing 
while maintaining service quality.  
Councilman Waring thanked Chief Giordano and emphasized that not all employees are 
suited to be trainers, urging staff to select individuals with strong communication skills. 
He asked if staff actively identify those individuals. 
Chief Giordano replied staff are trying to identify the right people to deliver the right 
message and train correctly. He added Commander Myers and Jen LaRoque have 
done a good job ensuring his mission is communicated effectively to the department.

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Chairman Robinson asked where the recruitment team will be six months from now and 
what staff are doing to speed up the recruitment process.  
Chief Giordano stated immediate communication to ensure individuals complete 
applications as soon as possible with background investigators providing constant 
communication and assistance in completing forms. 
Chairman Robinson asked if Ms. Bays and Commander Jou can meet in the next 30 
days to look at the possibility of moving individuals to the Employment Services Bureau 
at a quicker rate.  
Vice Mayor O’Brien shared her appreciation for the improvements rated to applicants,  
highlighted the Phoenix 30 by 30 Initiative and stated studies show women officers use 
less excessive force and see better outcomes for crime victims. She added the 
department's partnership with the Mayor's Women's Commission exemplifies the 
innovative thinking needed to recruit women as officers and led to the department’s 
participation in the Fresh Start Career Fair, connecting with 30 women, five of whom 
remain in active contact with recruiters. She emphasized appointing Julie Egea to lead 
the 30 by 30 Initiative reporting directly to Chief Giordano, elevated the program to a 
priority. Vice Mayor O’Brien stated while the department remains 500 officers short of its 
goal, it is clear the recruitment strategies and expanded outreach are delivering results. 
Chairman Robinson noted visiting the academy to better understand operations, 
thanked staff for their hard work and echoed appreciation for Chief Giordano’s 
engagement with officers.  
Anne Ender stated the community is ready to assist the City with addressing the crisis 
and asked for a report to the public showing how many sworn officers there are per 
precinct per shift and the response times by precinct and Council district.  
INFORMATION ONLY (ITEMS 5-6)  
5. Fire Staffing and Response Time Report  
Information only. No Councilmember requested additional information. 
Orla Bobo stated the City is pushing the narrative GO BOND and TPT increases will 
improve fire response times with new stations, yet the City is only building one station at 
a time and which will not assist with the current response times. She stated TPT and 
GO BOND funds should be used to improve response times now and response times 
are an indicator of service equity and public safety.  
6. Community Assistance Program (CAP) Expansion Implementation Report  
Information only. No Councilmember requested additional information.

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CALL TO THE PUBLIC  
None. 
 
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 
None. 
 
ADJOURNMENT 
Chairman Robinson adjourned the meeting at 11:40 a.m. 
 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
Taniya Williams  
Management Fellow