The first director of Phoenix’s Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT) has decided to resign from his position after just two years into the job.
Roger Smith was hired in December 2021 after years of debate, a record number of police shootings, and the U.S. Justice Department’s civil rights investigation into Phoenix police.
Smith confirmed to ABC15 that he sent an email to the Phoenix city manager Monday afternoon saying he would resign effective February 9.
Video in player above is from previous coverage of the DOJ investigation with Roger Smith.
Smith’s resignation letter said, “Events have led me to conclude that OAT does not have the independence required to effectively perform its responsibilities.” Read the full letter
below:
Originally tasked with the ability to conduct investigations independently or in tandem with Phoenix police internal investigators, Smith was to look at officers’ use of force or allegations of misconduct. He was to make presentations to a civilian police oversight board, which could issue policy or disciplinary recommendations.