Statement from the Gilbert Police Department

Statement from the Gilbert Police Department

Public safety is the top priority of the Gilbert Police Department.

Our mission is to protect and assist all members of our community. Respect for individual rights is the foundation of our Constitution and a cornerstone of our values, and it guides every decision we make.

We can only fulfill this mission when every person in Gilbert feels safe in their homes, in public places, and on our roadways. Public safety depends on community trust, and we are committed to earning that trust through transparency and effective policing.

With the increased presence of federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in and around Gilbert, we want to provide clarity about the role of Gilbert Police officers and what our community can expect from us.

Our Role and Responsibilities

Gilbert Police officers enforce local and state laws. We do not enforce federal immigration laws; that responsibility belongs to federal agencies.

The Gilbert Police Department does not have a 287(g) memorandum of agreement with ICE. This means we do not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations or investigations in our community. Our policies and procedures reflect continued adherence to local and state laws.

The Gilbert Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law. If a request is made by a federal agency for assistance to uphold peace, protect people, and prevent escalation, such as securing the perimeter of a scene and ensuring public safety, we are required to respond, consistent with our duty to the Gilbert community.

Our community can expect that our officers will:

• Clearly identify themselves while performing their duties

• Display visible Gilbert Police Department identifiers on their uniforms

If you encounter someone claiming to be a Gilbert Police officer and have concerns about their identity:

• Call 911 immediately if the situation is happening now

• For non-emergency concerns, contact our non-emergency line at 480-503-6500

First Amendment Protected Speech and Assembly

The Gilbert Police Department supports the community's Constitutionally protected right to peacefully assemble and protected free speech. While we fully support the exercise of these rights, any unlawful behavior such as blocking intersections, throwing objects, or engaging in violence will not be tolerated and will result in enforcement action. The right to assemble and free speech does not give you the right to violate the law. We are here to support our community and your rights.

Your safety is our priority, regardless of immigration status. If you are a victim of crime or witness criminal activity, we urge you to contact us immediately. We cannot effectively protect our community without your partnership. When crime goes unreported, everyone is less safe.

Crime tips and information can be reported anonymously at gilbertaz.gov/SubmitATip

The Gilbert Police Department remains committed to serving our community with honor, integrity, courage, and professionalism. We will continue to communicate openly about our role while protecting the rights and dignity of every person in Gilbert.

For questions or concerns about the Gilbert Police Department, contact us at 480-503-6500 or for more information, please visit gilbertaz.gov/GPDtransparency.