Introduction
Since the inception of this petition, alarming new details have emerged about an unofficial Field Training Officer (FTO) program initiated by the Phoenix VA Police Department. This program has served as the catalyst for a series of unlawful arrests and violations of due process rights, disproportionately affecting veterans. Officers trained under this program have risen rapidly through the ranks, forming a network of influence that disregards federal law and the U.S. Constitution.
The 2019 Unofficial FTO Program: A Breeding Ground for Misconduct
In 2019, the Phoenix VA Police launched an FTO program that operates outside the oversight of the VA Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC). Officers selected for this program—primarily of a certain demographic—were fast-tracked into influential positions. This program has emboldened these officers to carry out unlawful arrests by systematically bypassing Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure Rule 5, which requires individuals arrested to be promptly presented to a magistrate.
Rather than ensuring compliance with federal standards, this FTO program has trained officers to subvert those standards, leading to unconstitutional practices in the arrest and detention of individuals, including veterans.
Violations of Rule 5 and the Fifth Amendment (Due Process)
The Phoenix VA Police's improper "cite and release" procedures constitute clear violations of Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Instead of promptly bringing arrestees before a magistrate, these officers have been instructed to issue citations while unlawfully detaining individuals under the false premise of "detention searches."
These practices are not only unlawful but also unconstitutional. The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process, including the right to be informed of charges by a judge. By failing to comply with Rule 5, the Phoenix VA Police Department has deprived arrestees of this fundamental right, trampling on the very principles that underpin our legal system.
Circumventing VA Directive 0730 and Federal Judicial Process
The FTO program also trains officers to ignore VA Directive 0730, which outlines proper arrest procedures and the requirement to bring arrestees before a judicial authority. Instead of adhering to these protocols, officers are funneling cases into state courts inappropriately, bypassing the federal judicial process entirely. This practice not only violates the trust placed in law enforcement but also undermines the integrity of the federal justice system.
Impact of the Unlawful Arrests
Since the initiation of the FTO program, hundreds of individuals—primarily veterans—have been unlawfully arrested by Phoenix VA Police officers. These officers, acting under the false belief that they are merely issuing citations, are in fact carrying out illegal arrest & detentions without the required judicial oversight. The result is a flagrant disregard for constitutional rights and the erosion of public trust of the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
Our Call to Action
We demand that the Department of Veterans Affairs immediately halt the unlawful practices stemming from the FTO program. We call for a thorough investigation by OS&LE, LETC, and OIG into the Phoenix VA Police Department's arrest procedures, with a focus on compliance with Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure Rule 5 and the Fifth Amendment. The veterans who have suffered from these unlawful arrests deserve justice, and the Phoenix VA Police must be held accountable for their actions.
Contact for You to Email and Inquire:
- ocop@va.gov (VA Office of Chief of Police)
- vacoosle@va.gov (VA Office of Security & Law Enforcement)
Thier emails and information is available online.
Conclusion
The Phoenix VA Police Department's clandestine FTO program has resulted in a systemic violation of the rights of those who have already given so much for our country. It is time for this injustice to end. We urge the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal authorities to take swift action in dismantling this program and restoring the constitutional protections that every individual is entitled to.
Sign this petition now to stand against these unlawful arrests and demand accountability from those in power. Together, we can ensure that the Phoenix VA Police follow the law and respect the rights of all.