| ITEM #: 7. DATE: 06/22/2026 AI #:3357 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | APPROVAL OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WEST VALLEY INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSE TEAM |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Brian Issitt, Chief of Police |
SUMMARY
The Goodyear Police Department is requesting approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to allow continued participation in the West Valley Investigative Response Team (WVIRT). WVIRT provides resources to the participating agencies to investigate critical incidents that occur within the department. The team consists of a pool of trained personnel, including officers and civilian staff, who are available to lead the investigation, by documenting, evidence gathering, and other related functions of a critical incident, including officer involved shootings, officer injuries, or other critical or complex investigations.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve the IGA for the Goodyear Police Department to participate in the West Valley Investigative Response Team, and providing authorization and direction to the City Manager, or their designee, to take actions and execute documents necessary to carry out the intent of the agreement. (Brian Issitt, Chief of Police)
FISCAL IMPACT
The officers and civilians that participate in WVIRT are funded in the Police Department's general fund base budget.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
In calendar year 2021, the West Valley Chiefs worked together to form the WVRIT to ensure that critical incident investigations were performed without the perception of favoritism or bias. Participation in WVIRT ensures that all critical incidents that occur within the city of Goodyear will result in examination by WVIRT. On April 12, 2021, Council approved the Department's participation in WVIRT. In May 2026, Buckeye, Surprise, Tolleson, Glendale, El Mirage, Peoria and Wickenburg have agreed to continue with WVIRT participation.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Prior to participation in WVIRT, critical incidents required communication between the Goodyear Chief of Police and other city Department Chiefs to request assistance and negotiate timelines. WVIRT establishes roles and responsibilities amongst the parties and establishes a response rotation. Over the past five years, the Police Department has experienced nine critical incidents that were investigated by WVIRT. During the first four years of the IGA, the Department received investigative assistance. However, in 2025, the Criminal Investigation Bureau was certified to respond as a lead agency and has been placed on the WVIRT rotation. To continue the relationship with the West Valley agencies, it is requested that council approve the proposed IGA, included as Attachment A.