The former Bisbee deputy chief of police must appear in a Maricopa County courtroom later this month in advance of his upcoming trial on charges he assaulted two Phoenix police officers while off-duty last year.
Christopher “Joey” Long is charged with felony aggravated assault of a peace officer, felony resisting arrest, and misdemeanor assault stemming from his actions after attending a Sept. 23, 2021 sporting event. His trial is set to begin Aug. 25 with testimony from several Phoenix police officers, including the two named as victims in the criminal complaint.
Long, 41, was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the incident and suffered minor facial injuries during the arrest. Court documents show the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office intends to present the jury with police body-cam footage, crime lab reports, and statements Long made during and after his interaction with officers.
But first, Long must appear for a June 13 comprehensive pretrial conference. Among the matters to be addressed at the conference is whether there are pretrial motions the judge needs to rule on, if special jury instructions are being requested, and if the prosecutor has presented any plea offers to Long.
In addition, the judge will be advised as to whether there are disputes about any evidence to be presented to the jurors.
Long resigned his position effective Sept. 25, 2021. He first went to work for Bisbee PD in January 2008 then left in 2011 for a brief stint with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Enforcement and Compliance Division. He returned to Bisbee in 2013.
Public records show the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (AZPOST) board has received notice of Long’s resignation and the criminal prosecution. The board has not yet considered whether to initiate proceedings against Long for his conduct, which could result in a multi-year suspension or permanent revocation of his state certification.
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