An independent state investigation into dozens of mishandled Maricopa police cases has concluded, finding significant failures in how serious crimes were investigated over a 10-year period and prompting disciplinary action for some officers.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety completed its review of 40 cases dating from 2012 to 2022 after Maricopa Police Department Chief Mark Goodman requested the probe following an internal audit that uncovered “troubling deficiencies” in legacy cases.

The cases included serious crimes such as sexual assault, child molestation and sexual conduct with minors. According to MPD’s statement released today, investigators found the cases were not handled in accordance with departmental policy, citing incomplete case files, insufficient supervisory oversight and, in some instances, failure to forward cases for prosecutorial review.

Seven officers were tied to the cases examined. Most of the cases were handled by two officers who have since retired. Of the five officers still employed, two received suspensions. The remaining three were not disciplined based on the totality of circumstances, the department said.

The findings close the state-led investigation first announced by MPD nine months ago, which referred the cases to DPS after a department-wide review found some had been closed without clear evidence an investigation was conducted.

In response, MPD said it has already implemented changes in recent years aimed at preventing similar failures. Those include a new case management system to improve supervisory oversight, enhanced training for Criminal Investigations Division personnel and expanded internal quality control measures such as periodic case reviews.

“Maintaining integrity within the investigations we conduct is at the core of public trust,” Goodman said today. “Once these historical deficiencies came to light, we acted swiftly and decisively to ensure the systems, training and leadership in place today reflect the highest professional standards.”

All 40 cases have now been reviewed. Fourteen remain open, including five submitted to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for charging review. The remaining 26 cases have been closed.

The investigation will also be forwarded to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to determine whether action is warranted on officer certifications.

The full, 1,676-page DPS report is available at this link with redactions to protect victim information. Please be advised that some cases involve sensitive subject matter.