Phoenix Police Brutality and Civil Rights Lawyer
Phoenix is notorious for having high rates of police misconduct and brutality, especially against Black, Native American, and Hispanic communities. In 2025, Arizona had the fourth-highest number of police killings of any state in the U.S. Police killed 61 people in Arizona in 2025, including 11 in Phoenix, and people of color were killed at significantly higher rates. The top two reasons for police responses leading to fatalities were domestic violence calls and suicidal individuals.
If you or a loved one was a victim of police brutality in Phoenix, Arizona, you have legal rights and options for seeking justice.
Attorneys that work with Police Brutality Center may be able to assist you.
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Content Last Updated: March 16, 2026
Connect With Our Experienced Attorneys
Police Brutality Center is proud to partner with Alex Straus, Chair of the Civil Rights Department at Milberg PLLC, and Solomon Radner at Radner Law Group to help victims of civil rights abuses.
Why Work With A Phoenix Police Brutality Lawyer?
After experiencing police brutality or misconduct in Phoenix, it’s crucial to work with an attorney who is familiar with the area and Arizona’s civil rights laws. Each state has its own legal procedures for filing a complaint against police, so local knowledge is critical for handling civil rights cases.
The Phoenix Police Department’s History of Misconduct
In 2024, following a comprehensive three-year investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice found that the Phoenix Police Department and the City of Phoenix engaged in a pattern of conduct that violated the Constitution and federal law. This included the use of excessive force, unjustified deadly force, racial profiling, discrimination, unlawful arrests, and more.
The DOJ report, which came after a historically high rate of officer-involved killings in Phoenix, uncovered “pervasive failings” within the Phoenix Police Department’s operations and procedures. Federal officials found that the Phoenix PD routinely kills civilians without justification and discriminates against Black, Hispanic, and Native American people when enforcing the law.
How To File a Lawsuit Against Police in Phoenix
Filing a lawsuit against police officers or departments in Arizona is a complex process with various deadlines and requirements. The first step is typically filing a complaint with the police department involved. Then, you’ll hire an attorney to assist with legal proceedings, which will either result in a dismissal, a settlement, or a jury trial.
Initiating the Complaint Process
To file a complaint against a police department in Arizona, including the Phoenix Police Department, you can contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Any person who witnesses or has knowledge of police misconduct can file a complaint, and the department states that it views all citizen complaints seriously and investigates all misconduct.
Engaging a Police Brutality Lawyer in Arizona
Although you have rights under Arizona and federal law, including the Constitution, you usually need legal representation to protect them and navigate the complexities of a police brutality lawsuit in Phoenix. An experienced civil rights attorney can investigate, collect evidence, build a strong case, file legal documents, ensure you meet the applicable filing deadlines, and advocate for you in and out of court.
Under Arizona law, officers may threaten or use physical or deadly force only when they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to stop the commission of certain serious crimes. If your loved one was killed by police in Phoenix, an attorney can help you determine whether you have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Legal Proceedings
Depending on your case, you may need to file a notice of claim with the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department before filing a police brutality lawsuit. Then, your attorney will assist you in filing the lawsuit, engaging in the discovery process, negotiating a potential settlement, and possibly representing you at trial.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Civil Rights Cases in Arizona?
The statute of limitations for civil rights lawsuits, including police brutality cases, in Arizona depends on whether they are state or federal lawsuits. Federal civil rights claims typically have a two-year statute of limitations, or deadline for filing. However, Arizona law requires a Notice of Claim to be filed within 180 days of the incident for claims against public entities and employees. After filing the notice, there is a one-year deadline to file a lawsuit.
Police departments are public entities, so suing a department or municipality may subject you to this time period. Contact an attorney for more information on how Arizona’s statutes of limitations apply to your case.
Notable Phoenix Police Misconduct Lawsuit Settlements
The following are some of the notable settlements victims and their families have recovered for police brutality and misconduct.
$5.2 Million Settlement for the Family of a Child Hit by a Police Car in 2023
In October 2025, the City of Phoenix approved a $5.2 million settlement for the family of a child who suffered life-altering injuries after being hit by a police car in June 2023. The incident occurred while two officers were speeding without lights or sirens.
$1.2 Million Settlement for the Family of Man Killed by Police in 2019
In October 2025, the Phoenix City Council approved a $1.2 million settlement for the family of a man who was shot and killed by officers in 2019. Henry Wayne Rivera was shot and killed by Phoenix police in 2019 while officers were reportedly searching for an unrelated shooting and kidnapping suspect.
$800,000 Settlement for Two Families of People Wrongfully Killed by Phoenix Police
In May 2022, Phoenix approved two settlements totaling $800,000 for two wrongful death cases. One involved a lawsuit brought by the family of Ekom Udofia, a 33-year-old Black man shot and killed by officers as he allegedly approached them while holding a BB gun. The second case was filed in 2019 by the family of Dawn Bestenlehner, who was hit and killed by a car fleeing from Phoenix police, who reportedly did not have their lights or sirens on.
$475,000 Settlement for a Family Threatened by Armed Police at a Store in 2019
In August 2020, the City of Phoenix reached a $475,000 settlement with a Black family after a viral 2019 video showed officers drawing their weapons and swearing at the family while responding to a shoplifting complaint. The family claimed their 4-year-old child had walked out of the store with a doll without them noticing. The incident resulted in a fast-tracked rollout of over 2,000 body cameras for the police department.
Understand Your Rights With Help From Police Brutality Center
If you have experienced police brutality or have lost a loved one due to police misconduct in Phoenix, Police Brutality Center may be able to connect you with a civil rights lawyer to help you pursue justice. Our mission is to prevent further harm and ensure justice for victims by connecting them with experienced civil rights attorneys.