One Mesa Park Ranger has resigned and several others were placed on administrative leave after numerous allegations of misconduct by the unit prompted a criminal investigation from the city.
It also has led to the Mesa Police Department taking on oversight of the Park Rangers Unit.
“The current Park Rangers will undergo the same rigorous background investigation required of all new Mesa PD personnel,” the department said in a statement. “This process is not only thorough but also vital in maintaining the highest standards of trust and integrity. Furthermore, a comprehensive, tailored training program is being developed to equip our Park Rangers with a deep understanding of Mesa PD policies, procedures, and expectations.”
The goal, according to police, is to produce a program that “will be of the highest caliber, ensuring our Rangers are fully prepared to serve with professionalism. In addition, they will be introduced to the state-of-the-art systems and technologies used by the Mesa Police Department, including body cameras, to ensure seamless integration and operational efficiency,” the department said.
According to various media reports, police records contain details about allegations of multiple Mesa Park Rangers engaging in misconduct while on duty, including using racial slurs toward African Americans, aggressively targeting homeless people, possession of stolen/confiscated firearms/drugs that were not reported to the department and more.
The group of rangers allegedly called themselves the “Goon Squad,” according to reports, and had a special patch marking that they were a member of such group. Other allegations include concerns about inappropriate sexual encounters on duty, such as during ride-alongs.
According to a statement from the City of Mesa, a criminal investigation into the allegations revealed a park ranger was unlawfully possessing a stolen firearm, according to a statement from the city of Mesa. The allegations state the ranger had possessed the stolen firearm in his desk at work without reporting it.
Other allegations say one ranger overhead the ranger talking about taking the pistol off a black man and using a racial slur. The ranger who was accused of possessing the firearm was arrested by Mesa Police. The investigation recommended that ranger be terminated. The city initiated a termination process against the ranger as well as submitting felony charges to the county attorney. The statement said that the park ranger resigned prior to his termination hearing.
“I am deeply disturbed by the allegations of misconduct within our Park Rangers Unit. The behavior described in the investigation, possession of a stolen firearm, use of racial slurs, and mistreatment of vulnerable individuals violates our City’s core values and the trust our residents place in us,” Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman said in a statement. “This conduct will not be tolerated. Every city employee is expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and treat everyone with dignity and respect.”
According to the city’s statement, various measures have been implemented as a result of the investigation. This includes the felony charges toward the ranger who is accused of possessing the stolen firearm, several park rangers being placed on administrative leave, the initiation of an external, independent investigation into misconduct claims, and transfer of command of the Park Rangers Unit from the city’s Parks and Recreation department to the Mesa Police Department.
“The city of Mesa holds its employees to the highest standards of conduct and has zero tolerance for this type of misconduct,” said Mesa City Manager Chris Brady in a statement. “We recognize our fundamental responsibility to protect and serve all residents with dignity and uphold our workplace’s values of respect and integrity. The actions uncovered during this investigation do not reflect Mesa’s values or the standards we expect from public servants.”
Councilmembers Francisco Heredia and Jen Duff also released statements on the allegations. Heredia said he wants the entire Parks and Recreation Department to be investigated as well as the Park Rangers.
“Our Park Rangers are entrusted to serve and protect all members of our community with integrity, respect, and professionalism,” Heredia said. “The behavior described in recent reports represents a profound violation of that trust. I look forward to learning the results of the external independent investigation into these incidents. Additionally, I have formally requested a broad review of the management practices of the Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department.”
Duff said the behavior from park rangers cannot be tolerated and the city must take steps to restore trust and accountability.
“Misconduct and abuse of public responsibility will not be tolerated. I will continue to work closely with City leadership to ensure full transparency, implement stronger oversight and training protocols, and take any action necessary to ensure this never happens again,” Duff said. “Mesa residents deserve nothing less than a professional and ethical city workforce, and I am committed to helping rebuild the community’s trust in our institutions.”
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