News Summary
Matt Giordano has been appointed as Phoenix’s first permanent police chief since 2022, emphasizing community engagement and addressing immigration policy concerns. He aims to improve officer recruitment and relations within the community while assuring residents that immigration status will not affect police operations. Giordano’s experience includes roles in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and AZPOST. His focus is on building trust while separating local policing from federal immigration enforcement, amid community concerns about police collaboration with ICE.
Phoenix Welcomes New Police Chief Matt Giordano with a Focus on Community Engagement
Phoenix has appointed Matt Giordano as its first permanent police chief since 2022, aiming to enhance community engagement and address immigration policy concerns. Giordano held a news conference on August 13 to outline his strategic priorities for the police department, highlighting officer recruitment and community relations as essential components of his leadership.
A significant aspect of Giordano’s approach is his stance on immigration status within policing. During the news conference, he noted that the Phoenix Police Department does not inquire about an individual’s immigration status, emphasizing that it does not influence their police operations or community safety initiatives. This statement seeks to alleviate the apprehension among residents regarding the department’s involvement in immigration enforcement.
Community concerns about the Phoenix Police Department’s role in immigration enforcement have been persistent. Advocacy groups have raised allegations that the department collaborates with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and assists Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcement actions. Reports from May claimed that police told immigration advocates they couldn’t gather outside the immigration court in downtown Phoenix on the grounds that it was private property, sparking further dialogue about the police’s participation in immigration-related activities.
Additionally, there are unverified claims that the Phoenix Police Department has assisted in traffic control and managed street closures during ICE raids. In light of these allegations, the ACLU of Arizona is pursuing a public records request to access communications between the Phoenix Police Department and DHS, which could reveal more about the law enforcement practices in relation to immigration.
Giordano brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served 23 years within the Phoenix Police Department. His background includes serving as Executive Chief of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Executive Director of Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST). Notably, he has handled cases related to Senate Bill 1070, which allowed law enforcement to request proof of citizenship, and witnessed first-hand the distress it caused within the community.
In aiming to establish a clear separation between local policing and federal immigration enforcement, Giordano clarified that while the police department is aware of ICE operations, this knowledge is confined to ensuring effective responses during emergency calls. He has reassured community members that the police department does not assist ICE in any operational capacity.
Community advocates express a strong desire for the Phoenix Police Department to prioritize the protection of residents rather than collaborating with ICE. Leaders within the community express hopes for a more transparent relationship with the police, urging the department to focus its resources on ensuring public safety for all, regardless of immigration status.
Giordano is committed to fostering an open and transparent relationship with the community, framing trust and communication as pivotal to effective policing. Enhancing community engagement is set as a foundational element of his leadership, as he strives to build a police force that residents feel safe approaching.
The search for a permanent police chief began after the resignation of former chief Jeri Williams amid a DOJ investigation in September 2022. Following the interim tenure of Michael Sullivan, who subsequently withdrew from consideration for the permanent role, Giordano was appointed to guide the Phoenix Police Department moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 10 Phoenix: New Phoenix Police Chief Addresses Immigration Enforcement Concerns
- AZ Family: New Phoenix PD Chief No Interest in Helping Feds with Immigration
- AZ Central: Phoenix Area Police Behind Most Deportation Cases in Maricopa County
- Florida Phoenix: FAU Police Seeks Immigration Enforcement Authority
- Google Search: Phoenix Police Department
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
