The Gilbert Police Department announced that an investigation into allegations of unlawful destruction of public records has been closed, with state authorities finding the claims unsubstantiated. The agency received notification of the closure on July 3, confirming that the Arizona Attorney General's Office had concluded its review of complaints filed by an individual regarding the department's handling of public records.
The inquiry focused on body-worn camera footage that had been deleted. According to the police department, the investigation determined that the removal of the files was the result of administrative error rather than intentional misconduct. The department noted that the deleted recordings had been retained for three years, which aligned with agency policy at the time. These records were associated with calls for service where no crime had been committed.
Gilbert police initiated the request for an independent review in February 2026, asking the state attorney general to examine the allegations. Interim Police Chief James Bisceglie stated in a release that seeking an impartial investigation demonstrated the department's dedication to transparency and accountability. He added that the agency would continue to assess and improve its procedures to meet community expectations.
The Gilbert Police Department is located approximately 11 miles northwest of Queen Creek.
While the police department has shared the outcome of the investigation, the attorney general's office has not yet provided a public response to requests for further details regarding the case. It remains unclear whether additional documentation or a formal report from the state office will be released to the public.
