Request Tempe Police Use-of-Force Policy Online

Public Safety Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Tempe, Arizona residents and researchers can obtain the Tempe Police Department's use-of-force policy through the City of Tempe public records process. This guide explains what to request, how to submit an online request, which office enforces policy compliance, common enforcement outcomes, and practical steps to appeal or follow up.

What to request

When seeking policy documents, request the department's current use-of-force policy or the specific general order or directive that governs force, including any training or supervisory guidance and related after-action reports. If you need records tied to a specific incident, include dates, officer names or badge numbers, and incident report numbers where known. Some policy PDFs or general orders may be posted on the city's police policy pages; check the Tempe Police policies page for posted directives [1].

You can often find policies or directives linked from the police department page before filing a records request.

How to request the policy online

Use the City of Tempe Public Records Request portal or the City Clerk's public records page to submit a request online. Provide a clear description of the documents you want, preferred format (PDF or copies), and contact information for delivery. For incident-related records, state the incident date and any identifying details to narrow the search [2].

  • Describe the records precisely (policy title, general order number, date range).
  • Request a specific delivery format (digital PDF preferred).
  • Include a daytime contact and email for follow-up or fee estimates.

Penalties & Enforcement

Use-of-force policies are enforced through the Tempe Police Department's internal accountability processes and associated civilian oversight where applicable. Monetary fines are not typical penalties for policy violations by officers; disciplinary outcomes are administrative and may include reprimand, retraining, suspension, or termination depending on the findings.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: reprimand, retraining, suspension, termination, or referral to criminal prosecution when warranted.
  • Enforcer: Tempe Police Department internal affairs or professional standards and any civilian review body referenced by city policy.
  • Appeals/review: not specified on the cited page; appeal routes may follow civil service, union grievance, or administrative review procedures.
Disciplinary outcomes for officers are decided through internal procedures that vary by case and are not always published in full online.

Applications & Forms

To request policies, use the City of Tempe public records request form or portal. The public records page provides submission instructions and a portal link; specific form names or fee schedules are not specified on the cited page.

Action steps

  • Search the Tempe Police policies page for a posted use-of-force directive and note the title and date.
  • If the policy is not posted, submit a public-records request through the City Clerk or records portal with clear identifiers.
  • Contact the Records Division if you need help narrowing the request or estimating fees.

FAQ

How long does a records request take?
Processing time varies; the cited city pages do not specify exact timelines for production.
Will I receive redacted copies?
Yes, sensitive information may be redacted under state or city exemptions; the cited pages explain how exemptions are applied (see official page).
Is there a fee to get policy documents?
Fees may apply for copies or staff time; the public records page should indicate if a fee schedule or estimate is provided, otherwise it is not specified on the cited page.
Keep your request confirmation or tracking number for follow-up and appeals.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact policy name or describe the records you want, including dates and incident identifiers.
  2. Go to the City of Tempe public records request portal and complete the online form, attaching any supporting information.
  3. Submit the request and note the confirmation number; respond promptly to any city follow-up requests for clarification or payment.
  4. If you disagree with a denial or redaction, follow the appeal steps indicated on the public records page or request an administrative review.

Key Takeaways

  • Search the police policies page first—some directives are posted publicly.
  • Use the City Clerk/public records portal for formal requests and keep your confirmation number.
  • Contact the Records Division for help narrowing requests or understanding fees.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe - Police policies page
  2. [2] City of Tempe - Public Records Request (City Clerk)

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