Two Phoenix police officers, Eddie Becerra and Nicholas Beck, have been cleared of criminal charges after a grand jury and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office decided not to indict them on felony charges. The officers had been placed on administrative leave in October following an incident where they were caught on camera kicking a suspect who had shot at them.

The incident occurred on October 27, when officers Becerra and Beck were arresting Harry Denman, who allegedly shot at them unprovoked. After Denman was handcuffed, the officers were seen in a video kicking and hitting him with their guns. This led to a criminal investigation into their actions and their subsequent placement on leave.

Ninety-five days after the video surfaced, the grand jury decided not to indict the officers. This decision was made public just one day before the deadline for public input on proposed changes to the Phoenix Police Department’s use of force policy. The department’s internal investigation into the officers’ actions is still ongoing, but the key question remains whether their actions were consistent with the department’s policy.

In light of this incident, the Phoenix Police Department is considering revising its use of force policy. For the past two weeks, the department has been seeking public input on updates to its core principles and levels of force. This move has been seen as a significant step towards community engagement.

Janelle Wood, founder of Black Mothers Forums, has been actively involved in the department’s use of force task force and Disciplinary Review Board since 2019. She has requested several changes to the department’s policies, focusing on de-escalation tactics and the use of profanity by officers. Wood emphasizes the need for external entities to participate in driving change within the police department.

The Phoenix Police Department has not yet disclosed who will review the public’s input or when the finalized policy will be ready for review. The ongoing discussions and potential policy changes highlight the department’s efforts to address public concerns and enhance accountability.

In summary, while officers Becerra and Beck have been cleared of criminal charges, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about police conduct and the importance of community involvement in shaping law enforcement policies. The outcome of the internal investigation and the forthcoming policy revisions will be crucial in determining the future direction of the Phoenix Police Department.