Phoenix official wants review of post-rally police actions

Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher (ZUR’-ker) wants the city to hire a consulting firm to conduct an independent review of the police response to protests that turned unruly after President Donald Trump’s Aug. 22 rally.

Zuercher said Tuesday the outside review would be in addition to the Police Department’s own after-action review but is needed to ensure public confidence in the department.

Police Chief Jeri Williams has said her officers used appropriate force and acted professionally to disperse a crowd after gas was thrown at police, but immigrant and civil rights activists say police actions were aggressive and violent.

Thousands of people earlier protested Trump for hours in scorching heat without incident. A handful of people were arrested.

Mayor Greg Stanton says he supports Zuecher’s proposal, saying it’ll provide transparency.