PHX Reporter

The Phoenix Police Department is proud to have organized a five-day multi-agency operation dubbed Operation Summer Shield, that aimed at enhancing public safety by proactively addressing violent offenders in the City of Phoenix.

“The City of Phoenix is safer than it was just one week ago because of Operation Summer Shield," said Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan.

The operation took place June 5 through June 9 and resulted in hundreds of arrests, as well as gun and drug seizures:

• More than 580 arrests / 420+ for felonies

• Nearly 520,000 fentanyl pills

• More than 5 pounds of methamphetamine  

• Seized more than 40 weapons all of which were taken from prohibited possessors.

“Last week, we rolled out our Crime Reduction Plan to give the Department a blueprint for addressing crime. That plan focuses on going after the small percentage of people committing the majority of crime," Chief Sullivan said. “Operation Summer Shield did exactly that. We targeted the most violent people with outstanding warrants and prohibited possessors."

While this was only a five-day operation, the planning and coordination took seven weeks. This included meeting with our partners, identifying internal resources and using data driven intelligence to preform records checks on violent offenders with felony warrants.

More than 230 of those arrested had a criminal history that included violence and 16 absconders of the Department of Corrections were located and brought back to prison.

This operation cleared four homicide cases and close to 700 active warrants. Additionally, every gun seized during this operation were found to be in the possession of a prohibited possessor.

“This is an incredible example of what can be done when we all work together and put the safety of our community first," Chief Sullivan said. “I am proud of the work that everyone a part of this operation did."

This operation was successful because of the incredible partnerships with our local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Each of the following agencies played a significant role in Operation Summer Shield:

• Maricopa County Attorney's Office
• Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
• Arizona Department of Public Safety
• United States Attorney's Office, District of Arizona
• Phoenix Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigations
• Phoenix Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Phoenix Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration
• Homeland Security Investigations Phoenix
• U.S. Marshals District of Arizona.

“I want to thank the Phoenix Police Department for making this effort a priority to keep our community safe," Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said. “Now, my team has the opportunity to hold those who committed these crimes accountable to the law."

The partnerships with local, state and federal agencies are an important part in keeping our community safe, not just during this operation, but every day.

“The Marshal Service is proud and honored to serve side-by-side with the professional men and women of the Phoenix Police Department," said Acting U.S. Marshal Van Bayless. “Their unwavering dedication and commitment to the community, while safely removing those who do harm to the citizens of this great city, was evident during this operation and every day on patrol. We look forward to continuing the legacy of support and collaborative efforts our agencies have fostered over the years; staying resolute to reduce violent crime and provide safer neighborhoods for all our families and future generations."

Collectively, the Phoenix Police Department and our community can work together to make Phoenix safer every day. The department encourages the community to be an active participant in the clearance of outstanding warrants. If you know anyone who has an outstanding warrant, please contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness to remain anonymous.

Watch the press confernce on Phoenix Police held reguarding this operation YouTube.

Original source can be found here.