Matt Gress, House Representative of Arizona, said reform is needed in how federal consent decrees are handled, following the conclusion of a Department of Justice investigation into the Phoenix Police Department. The statement was made on X.
“After years of federal oversight, the DOJ investigation into the Phoenix Police Department is finally over,” said Gress, State Representative from Arizona. “No matter where you stand, it’s clear: the consent decree process needs reform. Selective evidence and one-sided narratives can erode trust on all sides. I’m committed to working with the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association to ensure future accountability is local, fair and balanced.”
In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice ended its civil rights investigation into the Phoenix Police Department, citing insufficient factual justification for federal oversight. According to a DOJ press release, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon criticized prior Biden-era consent decrees for undermining local authority and noted that evidence did not support continuing the probe. This retraction represents a broader policy shift toward reducing federal intervention in local policing.
Consent decrees have been instrumental in shaping police reform in the United States, with nearly 30 departments under such agreements as of 2023. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, these legally binding reforms often span years and target areas like use-of-force protocols, officer training, and accountability systems. While some departments report improved public trust and internal practices, others struggle with implementation costs and long-term compliance.
Research indicates that consent decrees can have complex effects on local policing. As reported by Axios, departments placed under federal oversight since 2012 often experienced short-term increases in violent crime, potentially due to shifts in officer behavior and reduced proactive policing. The findings suggest that while consent decrees aim to curb misconduct, they may also temporarily disrupt traditional policing methods.
Matt Gress is a Republican lawmaker representing Arizona’s District 4 in the House of Representatives. According to his Wikipedia page, he was appointed in 2023 and previously served as Director of the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting under Governor Doug Ducey. Gress also has a background in education and has served on a local school board, with legislative priorities that include public safety and fiscal policy.
The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) is the labor union representing rank-and-file Phoenix police officers. According to its official website, PLEA’s mission is to advocate for officers’ rights, promote professional standards, and engage in political efforts that support law enforcement interests. The organization plays an active role in negotiations, public policy, and community outreach concerning public safety in Phoenix.
