Interim Chief Michael Sullivan steps down, search for Phoenix police leader starts over

PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix is reopening its nationwide search for a police chief after interim Chief Michael Sullivan withdrew his candidacy for the permanent position, officials announced Tuesday.

“When I accepted this role, the department was under a Department of Justice pattern and practice investigation and facing significant challenges,” Sullivan said in a press release. “Throughout my tenure, I’ve worked diligently to navigate that process while focusing on crime reduction, strengthening community trust and building a culture of continuous improvement.

“I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made as a department and of the dedication demonstrated by our officers and staff.”

Executive Assistant Chief Dennis Orender was named acting police chief in the wake of Sullivan stepping down. Orender will not be a permanent candidate, according to the release.

Sullivan’s last day will be April 18. He had been in the interim role since September 2022, when former Chief Jeri Williams retired.

Sullivan was one of four finalists for the permanent role. The city will now restart the recruitment process, and the other finalists will have to apply again if they still want the job, a spokesman of the process confirmed to KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Applications for a new permanent chief search will be accepted starting Friday.

How close was the city to naming new police chief?

Under the original timeline, the city was expected pick a new chief from among the finalists named in March by the end of April.

Sullivan was one of two finalists from the Phoenix Police Department, along with Ed DeCastro, an assistant chief over investigations.

Another finalist, Ed Wessing, has been with the Mesa Police Department for 29 years.

The fourth finalist, Casey Johnson, spent 23 years with the Oakland Police Department in California.

More information about the search is available on the city’s website.

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