VIDEO: Phoenix Chief Talks to Public About Deadly Force Incidents

2016 was a year that saw increases in violence and divisiveness worldwide.

Phoenix police officers were not immune from that violence. Officer David Glasser was shot to death, two officers were wounded in shootings, and three other officers hurt by a man who intentionally ran them over with his car simply because they wore the police uniform.

Last year alone, the violence was so extreme that Phoenix officers had to use deadly force 25  times to protect themselves, to protect each other and, ultimately, to protect you. 

I want to share facts to help us gain understanding and find common ground. I want you to know that 18 of these incidents involved criminal suspects with guns, guns they were using against our community and against our officers. Five of the suspects were attacking people with knives. Two suspects were fighting with lone officers and trying to take their guns.

All 25 suspects could have stopped their violent behavior but continued with their actions until it was too late. None of our officers wanted to be put into a position where they felt they had no other choice but to use deadly force. It was their last resort.

Read Chief Jeri Williams' Full Commentary at AZCentral.com