Former assistant will be appointed interim Scottsdale police chief

PHOENIX – A former assistant will be appointed the interim police chief of the Scottsdale Police Department at the end of the month.

Scottsdale City Manager Jim Thompson selected Jeff Walther to serve as interim police chief when current Chief Alan Rodbell retires at the end of the month, according to a press release.

Walther retired from the department in 2018 after 24 years of service.

“Alan Rodbell has served this community with dedication and distinction, and with a new City Council taking their seats in January, we will begin the process to recruit someone who will continue that legacy and lead our outstanding police department,” Thompson said.

“We are fortunate to be able to bring back Jeff Walther, who knows our community and our department, to serve in this interim role.”

Rodbell announced in October that he would end his 45-year career in law enforcement to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. He joined the Scottsdale Police Department as Assistant Chief in 2002 and was promoted in 2003, becoming the sixth chief in department history.

According to the release, Walther will not seek the permanent position.

“In cases like this, my preference is to select an interim leader who will not be a candidate for the permanent job,” Thompson said.

“That assures a level playing field for others who want to apply for the job, whether they are internal candidates or people from outside the organization.”

The national search and recruitment process to replace Rodbell is expected to take six to eight months.

Follow @KTAR923