Phoenix Sergeant Faces Probe Over Alleged Off-Duty Protest Conduct

Chandler Police notified Phoenix PD of incident involving Sgt. Dusten Mullen at student anti-ICE protest

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:49pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shiny metal police badge or handcuff, dramatically lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into an officer's alleged misconduct during a protest.A police sergeant's alleged off-duty conduct during a student protest exposes tensions between law enforcement and the public.Phoenix Today

Phoenix police sergeant Dusten Mullen has been placed on administrative leave amid an internal investigation into his alleged off-duty conduct during a student protest against ICE in Chandler. Chandler police reported that Mullen, who was armed and wearing a face mask, argued with students and threatened to have them arrested if they assaulted him, raising concerns about his actions while not on duty.

Why it matters

The incident has raised questions about the appropriate conduct of off-duty officers, especially when engaging with protesters, as well as the oversight and scrutiny of high overtime pay for some Phoenix police officers.

The details

According to reports, Mullen was off-duty and armed with a handgun and extra magazines when he got into a confrontation with students protesting ICE at Hamilton High School in Chandler. Mullen allegedly told the Chandler officer on scene that his plan was to let the students assault him so they could all be arrested, and claimed more armed supporters were on the way. Chandler police advised Mullen to leave the volatile situation.

  • On January 30, the incident occurred outside Hamilton High School in Chandler.
  • On April 6, Fox 10 Phoenix first reported on the incident involving Sgt. Mullen.
  • On April 10, Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano announced an employee had been placed on administrative leave following an off-duty incident in a neighboring city.

The players

Dusten Mullen

A Phoenix police sergeant who was placed on administrative leave amid an internal investigation into his alleged off-duty conduct during a student protest against ICE in Chandler.

Matt Giordano

The Phoenix Police Chief who announced that an employee had been placed on administrative leave following an off-duty incident in a neighboring city, referring to Sgt. Mullen.

Steve Serbalik

The attorney representing Sgt. Mullen, who has said his client is being punished for protected speech and called for the police chief to withdraw or correct his statement.

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What they’re saying

“My plan is legitimately to just let them all assault me and you guys arrest them all, and I'll keep it on film. I also have other people filming from a distance.”

— Dusten Mullen, Phoenix Police Sergeant

“It's standard when people work overtime to be paid for the overtime that they're working, and the Phoenix Police Department is experiencing a significant staffing issue.”

— Steve Serbalik, Attorney for Sgt. Dusten Mullen

What’s next

The Phoenix Police Department's Professional Standards Bureau is continuing its investigation into Sgt. Mullen's alleged conduct during the Chandler protest.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for clear guidelines and oversight around the conduct of off-duty officers, especially when engaging with protesters. It also raises broader questions about the management of overtime pay and staffing issues within the Phoenix Police Department.