News Summary
Matt Giordano has officially become the new police chief of Phoenix, aiming to enhance community trust and support within the police department. In just two weeks since his appointment, he has made hiring and supporting officers his top priority, with recruitment applications doubling compared to last year. Giordano plans to significantly increase the department’s staffing to a goal of 3,000 officers while focusing on building trust with the community and emphasizing high hiring standards.
Phoenix – Matt Giordano has officially taken charge as the new police chief of Phoenix, having been sworn in during a ceremony downtown on a Thursday morning. Inheriting one of the largest police departments in the United States, Giordano aims to enhance community trust and support within the force as he embarks on his new role.
Giordano, only two weeks into his tenure, has made it clear that his primary focus is on hiring and supporting officers. Reports indicate a positive trend in recruitment with applications more than doubling compared to the same period last year. This increase is attributed to improved aspects of the hiring process; Giordano acknowledged the efforts of the employment services team for their significant contributions. He believes societal trends are encouraging more young people to seek careers in law enforcement.
To fully staff the department, which currently employs about 2,600 officers, Giordano has set an ambitious goal of increasing that number to 3,000, a level last reached in 2015. Currently, Phoenix Police is facing a requirement of approximately 600 additional officers to operate at optimum capacity. Recent recruit class sizes at the Phoenix Regional Police Academy have ranged from 30 to 38, reflecting Giordano’s hopes for recruitment momentum.
Giordano also emphasizes the importance of building trust within the department and the community. Acknowledging the value of the officers’ contributions is vital to his strategy. He has made it a priority to rebuild relationships with experienced officers, ensuring their voices are heard in the department’s decision-making processes. Giordano believes that engaging with the public and demonstrating visible leadership will be crucial in nurturing community relationships.
As he leads the department, Giordano plans to model exemplary behavior, asserting a commitment to uphold the highest standards of conduct within the police force. Following his swearing-in, he noted his intention to actively connect with residents, demonstrating his dedication to the community he serves.
Despite the positive momentum in recruitment, Giordano has advised potential applicants that the hiring process is comprehensive and rigorous. Candidates must be at least 20.5 years old, U.S. citizens, and must meet standards established by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. This detailed hiring process includes extensive background checks, aptitude testing, polygraphs, psychological evaluations, and medical examinations, typically taking about two to three months to complete.
Once selected, recruits participate in a 26-week training program at the police academy, followed by a 17-week field training program. Only after successfully completing both phases can they become full-fledged officers. Giordano reiterated that maintaining high standards from the hiring stage onwards is essential to developing a skilled and professional police force.
Giordano serves as the first permanent police chief of Phoenix since 2022, bringing with him a lengthy career in law enforcement, with experience in the Phoenix Police Department, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Peace Officer’s Board. His selection is pivotal for the department, seeking to enhance not only its personnel numbers but also the overall relationship with the community it serves.
With a strategic focus on hiring, officer support, and community engagement, Chief Matt Giordano is poised to make significant changes within the Phoenix Police Department, marking a new chapter for law enforcement in the city.
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Additional Resources
- AZFamily: Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano Sworn In
- 12News: Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano Sworn In
- KTAR: Phoenix Police Chief on Staffing Challenges
- Axios: New Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano
- Wikipedia: 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.
