| NEWS | KINDA MAYBE SOMETIMES; THE WHIP-LASH OF THE 2021 FORD ESCAPE FWD T A Phoenix Police Department vehicle. Bad Boys, Bad Boys Two Phoenix cops leave as the state investigates misconduct. BY KATYA SCHWENK M ocking someone with a baby voice. Drunkenly telling casino security staff you have “jurisdiction over the whole West Coast.” Fighting another cop. These are just a sampling of misconduct charges against Phoenix police officers that sparked state investigations in recent months. Several new investigations into three Phoenix cops were announced at the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board’s last meeting. Two of those officers already have resigned or have been terminated from the department. One faces an ongoing criminal investigation. Arizona POST is a state board that over- sees law enforcement training and regula- tions in the state. It also has the power to revoke or suspend officer certifications — licenses that allow officers to work in law enforcement. When an officer is fired from a department for misconduct, the board investigates independently and considers revoking or suspending the officer’s certifi- cation as well. The board’s workings provide a glimpse into law enforcement misconduct around the state, which otherwise is often dealt with quietly by agencies. Each year, dozens of officers have their certifications revoked by the board. Dozens more agree to relinquish their licenses voluntarily and avoid a hearing. The Phoenix officers were disciplined among 12 cops from around the state during last month’s hearing. The other cases include a Chandler cop who repeat- edly grabbed suspects and detainees by the neck, a Tucson officer who allegedly assaulted his wife, and a Department of Public Safety trooper who drove drunk and was charged with an extreme DUI, according to POST records. Full case files, which include internal Phoenix police investigations and officers’ statements or evidence in their defense, are not posted publicly by the board. The board has not yet provided them in response to a Phoenix New Times public records request. Based on the POST records that are available, one former Phoenix cop now under investigation by the board is Malcolm Buckner, who joined the force in 2019. According to board investigators, Buckner first came under scrutiny in April 2021, when he got in a fistfight with a fellow officer. Buckner and the other officer were on duty and in uniform at the time, according to the Phoenix Police Department’s own internal investigation, which the state summarized at the meeting. The two got into a text disagreement over Buckner’s work ethic, and Buckner drove to where the other cop, Jonathan Chavez, was stationed. Internal investigators didn’t conclude who started the physical fight. Chavez, who remains on the force, admitted to “taking a fighting stance,” investigators reported. Buckner said Chavez had pushed him, and in response, “he pushed Officer Chavez back.” Ash Ponders he 2021 Ford Escape is this mysterious vehicle. Some times, when driving it, I hated my life but other times, I’m like, “this thing rocks”. I don’t know how a whip can give you such mental whiplash…wait? Whip lash! LOL. Anyway, it’s hit or miss, hot or cold, awesome or shit but let’s dig in and take a look at the Ford Escape. Starting with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two Looks: Pick-Up: Handling: Comfort: Passenger Comfort: electric motor hybrid engine that pumps out 221-horsepower and an amazing 105 MPG or 40 with gasoline only. Both of those kick ass! Incredible work, Ford. Then we get into the cabin, it is nice enough but has a little cheap vibe at spots. Then I remember the gas mileage and I’m like, “alright, this is cool.” The space is a little tight but they make it easy to drop the rear seats to provide RATING (out of 5 McFly’s) Access to Controls: Safety & Security: Sound System: Bells & Whistles: Overall: 2021 FORD ESCAPE FWD Questions? Feedback? Email me at [email protected] • Follow me on ample cargo room for the category. The exterior is incredible from the front left and right angles but looks goofy from all others so I don’t know what to make of that. Odd. The price? Awesome. $43,025 for this hybrid beast is a definitely, yes! So, there are some things that are ‘meh and some hell yeahs. lash! Whip- >> p 14 13 phoenixnewtimes.com | CONTENTS | FEEDBACK | OPINION | NEWS | FEATURE | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | PHOENIX NEW TIMES MAY 5TH– MAY 11TH, 2022
