FIRST RESPONDERS

East Valley police departments create team to investigate use of force

Scottsdale Police Officer Aaron Bolin said the creation of a east Valley critical incident response team will help improve transparency when an officer is involved in a serious use of force.

(Independent Newsmedia/J. Graber)

Tempe Police Sargent Ryan Cook said the creation of a east Valley critical incident response team could slow down how long it takes to get information to the public, but team member agencies will work to minimize that.

(Independent Newsmedia/J. Graber)

Mesa Police Department Officer Steve Berry said the creation of a east Valley critical incident response team formalizes what has already been happening much of the time when a police officer is uses serious force.

(Independent Newsmedia/J. Graber)

Eight East Valley police departments are joining forces to improve transparency in the investigative process when officers are involved in the use of force.

Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe police are combining to create the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team, which hits the ground July 1.

That means officers from other agencies will investigate the use of force when used by police from any given agency.

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