PLEA: Harris take on SB 1070 violated policy

The union for rank-and-file Phoenix police asked City Manager David Cavazos to open an investigation into Police Chief Jack Harris out of concern that the chief violated city policy by issuing a legal declaration against SB 1070, Arizona's tough new immigration law.

Phoenix Law Enforcement Association board members said the June 25 declaration filed in U.S. District Court could have contradicted a city legal opinion that prohibited Mayor Phil Gordon from filing a lawsuit against the state in opposition to the law, which is set to go in effect by the end of the month.

The opinion by Phoenix City Attorney Gary Verburg suggested that city charter “does not grant authority to the mayor to sue on behalf of the city on his ownâ€