Overview
- An independent 263‑page review by law firm Pierce Coleman found park rangers exceeded their legal authority by detaining people, enforcing non‑park laws, and conducting searches.
- Investigators documented racial slurs and a self‑styled “Goon Squad” culture, and concluded that rangers Joshua Amado, Charles Miller and Brandon Montez violated workplace policies.
- Mesa Police said they reviewed nearly 170 cases tied to the unit and will not file criminal charges.
- Findings include an unreported handgun kept on Amado’s desk, delayed and backdated reports, and concerns about evidence handling and late‑night ride‑alongs.
- Department Director Andrea Moore and Deputy Director Aimee Manis resigned, supervisor Brett Burton previously retired, the unit was moved under Mesa Police oversight, and the city named Andrea Alicoate acting director while recruiting a permanent leader.