Phoenix police chief search to begin after Super Bowl

PHOENIX — The nationwide search for the city of Phoenix’s next police chief is set to begin in several weeks.

Last December, former Phoenix Police Chief Daniel Garcia was fired for insubordination. As of right now, Interim Police Chief Joseph Yahner is manning the helm of the department, but the 30-year veteran plans to retire soon and has said he does not intend to apply for the job of permanent chief.

That leaves the search process in the hands of Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher. According to Phoenix police union leaders, Zuercher will not begin looking for Yahner’s replacement until after the Super Bowl.

“Right now all of our resources, man-hours and personnel are dedicated to making sure the Super Bowl is successful,” said Sean Mattson, Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association president.

The Phoenix Police Department sergeant and union leader said he wants the next chief to seek union input when changes need to be made within the department, “in order to provide the voice of the people who actually do the job when changes are to be made and new policies are to be implemented.”

Union leaders, however, do not necessarily want a chief who is always in agreement with them according to Mattson. He said they just want someone who is open to their ideas.

“I think that whoever the next chief is should seek our input, whether or not they follow it, but we should always have a seat at the table,” he said.

Matson and other union leaders plan to work with City Manager Zuercher during the search process to help city leaders avoid hiring another insubordinate chief.

Related

Sen. Sullivan, former US Rep Peltola begin Alaska US Senate campaign after advancing from primaryNational security question trips up Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina debateProsecutors say bullet engraving shows Charlie Kirk was targeted for his politicsSAFE Alert issued for 18-year-old woman who left home with puppyTexas teen convicted in fatal stabbing at track meet seeks a new trial and judgeMesmerizing jellyfish take center stage at 1st US museum dedicated solely to the floating predators