Scottsdale officials name Jeff Walther as city’s new police chief
Mar 6, 2021, 10:00 AM
(City of Scottsdale photo)
(City of Scottsdale photo)
PHOENIX — Interim Scottsdale Police Chief Jeff Walther was officially named chief Friday, the city announced.
Walther, a 24-year Scottsdale police veteran, came out of retirement to serve as interim police chief when former Chief Alan Rodbell retired in October.
Scottsdale City Manager, Jim Thompson, officially names Interim Police Chief, Jeff Walther, as the 7th Chief of Police in the history of the Scottsdale Police Department.
Congratulations Chief Jeff Walther!https://t.co/qTn5YZ3tt9 pic.twitter.com/3cgdRnwhHb
— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) March 6, 2021
“Chief Walther’s ability to step-in seamlessly in an interim capacity was hugely valuable,” City Manager Jim Thompson said in a press release.
“During these past few months, it has become clear that his experience and relationships within our community, our organization and the police department are exactly what we need moving forward. I am very pleased that he has agreed to remain on a permanent basis.”
Walther began his career with the Scottsdale Police Department as a patrol officer. He also served as a detective and SWAT officer before moving into leadership roles in the latter part of his career.
Before retiring in 2018, Walther was assistant chief of the Uniformed Services Bureau where he oversaw all patrol operations as well as the Special Operations Division.
“I am honored and excited to begin this new chapter in my police career,” Walther said in the release. “Although these times are challenging, it provides a great opportunity to usher in new ways to address complex public safety issues through collaborative relationships with our citizens.
