PHOENIX (AZ Family) — Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office in January raises questions about what it means police reform in Phoenix.

While he has yet to publicly nominate anyone for the role of U.S. Attorney, Trump’s previous presidency may offer insight into what could happen in January.

In June, US Department of Justice issues scathing report on Phoenix Police Department. Despite recommendations from the feds, the city did not accept federal oversight.

The Justice Department accused Phoenix police of using excessive force, violating civil rights and discriminating against minorities and the homeless.

“This is an example of where we can’t rely on the police themselves,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Clarke, who oversees the Justice Department’s civil rights division.

Since June, Phoenix has doubled in size and says it is taking steps to improve accountability and transparency.

Former Justice Department attorney Emily Gunston believes that’s not enough.

“When the DOJ sought a consent decree to correct the violations, it determined that it was very unlikely that the jurisdiction could or would make these reforms on its own,” Gunston said. “If he could, he would have done it already.”

Career lawyers investigating the department will remain under the new administration, but Trump will decide who will lead the justice department.

“The new administration may advance the case based on the findings of the career staff, or it may decide not to continue the case and the findings may remain only as findings.”

During Trump’s last term, the Justice Department launched a pattern or practice investigation, compared to 18 under former President Obama and 12 under President Biden.

“I think given Donald Trump’s performance the last time he was president, people should be concerned that he and the Attorney General won’t be able to make progress on the case being investigated by career lawyers at the Justice Department.”

Law enforcement reform expert Michael Gennaco agrees.

“I think the Justice Department may not only turn around when there is a change in administration in January, but may completely walk away from this and other ongoing investigations into police system problems,” he said.

Some city leaders have said they want to delay signing a preliminary agreement or consent decree. Experts believe this will further divide society.

“I think it will leave the community unsettled about how policing is done in the City of Phoenix,” Gennaco said.

In other cases, the Department of Justice did not issue a consent decree but the state did. But in Arizona, the state attorney general does not have the authority to provide such oversight.

The Phoenix Police Department said in a statement Tuesday that it remains committed to improving public safety services.

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