Mesa tabs Tucson assistant chief to be city’s new top cop

PHOENIX — Mesa has hired a Tucson assistant police chief to be its new top cop, the city said in a Wednesday press release.

Ramon Batista, a 31-year veteran of the Tucson force who has served as assistant chief the past three years, will step in as the head of the Mesa Police Department.

“Assistant Chief Batista was chosen because I believe he is the best fit for our community and organization at this time,” City Manager Chris Brady said in the release.

Batista served as the head of both the patrol and investigative bureaus during his time in Tucson. He is expected to be introduced during a press conference next month.

Batista has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Grand Canyon University.

Batista was named to the city’s shortlist of potential candidates in April. The other candidates were Texas State University Chief Jose Banales, former San Jose, California, Police Chief Robert Davis and Mesa interim chief Michael Dvorak.

“The public safety professionals who participated in this recruitment process have exceptional credentials and I have the utmost respect for each one of them,” Brady said.

Dvorak stepped in to lead the department in December after John Meza retired slightly before the holiday season.

“I also want to extend a special thanks to Chief Michael Dvorak who has worked tirelessly over the last six months as interim police chief,” Brady said.

“He has done an incredible job and is to be commended.”

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