Art Miller sworn in as city of Peoria’s new police chief
Sep 5, 2018, 1:25 PM
(South Pasadena Police Department Photo)
(South Pasadena Police Department Photo)
PHOENIX — “Let me introduce to you: The police chief for the city of Peoria …” With that statement on Tuesday night, the city of Peoria got its new police chief.
Art Miller replaced Roy Minter, who retired in May after seven years as chief. Minter took over as chief of police for the Savannah Police Department in Georgia in June.
“I am very motivated by community outreach, and I will continue that,” Miller told the Peoria City Council after his swearing in ceremony.
He also told the council that the Peoria Police Department will continue being responsive public servants.
“And, being the head of the department, I want you to know that I will be the head servant when things that need to get done,” he said.
We are excited to introduce our new @PeoriaAzPS Police Chief, Art Miller. Chief Miller was confirmed by City Council last night & was sworn in as well! Please join us in welcoming him to the City of #PeoriaAZ, and the Peoria Police Department family! #peoriapoliceaz #peoriapdaz pic.twitter.com/txw4SZOxvu
— Peoria Police (AZ) (@PeoriaAzPS) September 5, 2018
Miller spent most of his 30-year law-enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he pioneered an LGBT-outreach program.
He had been chief of the South Pasadena, California, police department since 2013.
He created that department’s community relations program, as well as an outreach program for homeless people.
Outreach, to Miller, is not limited to the community. He told officers present Tuesday that he’s looking forward to getting to know them as well.
“I want to get an opportunity to know you all, but — more importantly — I want you to have a chance to get to know me,” he said.
“I have a commitment to you. On a slightly higher level, I have a commitment to our profession.”
Miller beat out three other finalists for the position.
One was Benny Piña, a former Phoenix Police Department commander and current deputy chief with the Peoria Police. During his time at Phoenix, Piña headed the task force that investigated Mark Goudeau, the so-called “Baseline Killer.”
The other two were David McGill, chief of the Sedona Police Department, and Richard Bash, a former Army combat medic and deputy chief at the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
