Statement of U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke Regarding March 19, 2010

We have reached a decision with regard to the matter involving City of Phoenix Councilman Michael Johnson and Phoenix Police Officer Brian Authement. Additionally, both individuals have resolved the matter and are committed to moving forward.

Councilman Michael Johnson has been a devoted public servant for decades and a respected community leader, exhibited by his service on the Phoenix Police Department for over 20 years and on the Phoenix City Council. He has shown his commitment to building a strong community and proudly representing the people of District 8. His leadership in this trying time is exemplary.

Officer Brian Authement also has devoted his career to public service. He has had a distinguished military career, honorably serving two tours in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps as a canine handler. He is a dedicated Phoenix Police Officer who serves the City of Phoenix, just as he has served our country, with respect for all people. He has shown leadership in coming to this resolution.

Both Councilman Johnson and Officer Authement, in addition to Public Safety Manager Jack Harris, have written statements. Those statements are attached and will be their final words on this matter.

Both individuals have displayed leadership and courage in resolving this matter and I commend them for their commitment to law enforcement, the city of Phoenix and the community they serve. The United States Attorney’s Office and the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office have each completed thorough, independent, and additional investigative work and recognize the parties’ resolve to move forward.

Sheila Polk, the Yavapai County Attorney, was integrally involved in the resolution of this matter. Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk said, “My office has reviewed this matter and met with Officer Brian Authement to discuss the events of March 19, 2010. Officer Authement has stated he does not wish to pursue criminal charges in this matter. I respect the professionalism of both Officer Authement and Councilman Michael Johnson and their desire to put this matter behind them, to move forward and to work toward bringing the community together. For these reasons, my office is closing the file on this matter.”

I want to thank Sheila Polk for her careful and reasoned examination of this matter. She is a true professional, and she has demonstrated her objectivity and respect for law enforcement and justice.

With regard to the federal civil rights criminal investigation, I am closing the file without any charges. Councilman Michael Johnson has asked this office not to pursue criminal civil rights charges against Officer Brian Authement. I appreciate the hard work of the dedicated FBI agents who conducted the independent, federal investigation.

The good that comes from this difficult event is not only an honorable resolution by two public servants but that it serves as a catalyst for this office to address the broader issues raised. To that end, we and the FBI will, along with Senator Leah Landrum Taylor, conduct civil rights forums starting on July 6, 2010, in City Council District 8. The purposes of the forum are to ensure that people can come forward on civil right matters and to inform the greater community about the new, expanded federal authority with regard to civil rights. The United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice view police and community relations seriously—ensuring, above all else, equal justice under the law so that the community can have the confidence to come forward in civil rights matters.

Additionally, I have asked the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice to assist us in moving forward. The Community Relations Service has a distinct mission separate from the United States Attorney and serves to promote the principles and ideals of equality and non-discrimination.

Finally, I want to reiterate my appreciation to Councilman Michael Johnson and Officer Brian Authement for their commitment to our community. I recognize that this has been a difficult time for everyone involved and I also recognize the work we have yet to do. Today marks the first step.