News Summary
Phoenix’s Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan has withdrawn from the permanent chief consideration after nearly three years in charge, prompting city officials to restart the search for new leadership. His resignation highlights the complexity of leading the department amid a Department of Justice investigation and a divided police workforce. City officials are focused on finding a candidate who can build trust within the community, particularly in light of ongoing concerns regarding police practices. The city aims to appoint a new chief by mid-summer, renewing hopes for effective leadership.
Interim Police Chief Steps Aside, Phoenix City Officials Seek New Leadership
Phoenix is currently buzzing with news as the Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan has made the decision to withdraw his name from consideration for the permanent chief position. This news comes just after nearly three years of leadership within the Phoenix Police Department.
Sullivan is set to officially step down next week, creating a sense of uncertainty among city officials and residents alike. After stepping into the role during challenging times—including a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation—Sullivan announced that he believed he was not the right person to guide the department into its next chapter. Although he has not provided specific details about his decision, he has expressed pride in the progress made during his tenure, highlighting the dedication of the department’s officers and staff.
Charged Atmosphere Around Leadership
The city manager, Jeff Barton, noted that Sullivan had engaged in some serious “soul searching” that led to his decision. His exit adds complexity to an already protracted search for a new police chief. The previous candidates who had been considered—such as Phoenix Police Assistant Chief Ed DeCastro, Mesa Police Assistant Chief Ed Wessing, and Oakland Police Deputy Chief Casey Johnson—were passed over previously, increasing the stakes now that the search is reopening.
Barton stated that the city is particularly focused on finding a candidate capable of building trust within the community, especially among its diverse populations. Given the backdrop of the ongoing DOJ investigation—initiated in 2021 and examining serious allegations of excessive force and discrimination against minority groups—the need for a skilled leader couldn’t be more evident.
New Search Timeline in Place
Phoenix officials have set their sights on appointing a new police chief by mid-summer, with applications reopening on April 11. In the following three to four weeks, new interviews will kick off, renewing hopes for a fresh direction in police leadership.
Interestingly, recent surveys have shown that a whopping 88% of police union members opposed Sullivan being appointed as the permanent chief, while a staggering 98% of supervisors also expressed disapproval. These statistics give a clear glimpse into the challenges Sullivan faced while in his role.
A Strong Interim Leader Emerges
With Sullivan’s last official day on the calendar for April 18, Executive Assistant Chief Dennis Orender is set to step in as the acting chief. Yet, he has already made it clear that he will not be vying for the permanent position, shifting the focus back onto the broader search for lasting leadership.
Sullivan was initially brought on board to lead the department amidst the ongoing scrutiny of its practices, particularly related to the serious allegations of excessive use of force and civil rights violations. The spotlight on these issues has made certain aspects of police leadership increasingly complex, with past surveys reflecting officers’ concerns regarding Sullivan’s approach to leadership.
Support for New Leadership Search
The city had previously invested $70,000 in a Police Executive Research Forum contract to assist in the search for a new chief, which will proceed without additional costs. Barton described the hunt for a new chief as somewhat of a quest for a “unicorn,” highlighting the unique expectations from both the community and the police department.
As Phoenix continues on its journey to find a highly qualified individual to lead its police force, officials remain committed to addressing the specific needs of the community while ensuring public safety. The next few weeks promise to be particularly pivotal in shaping the future of the Phoenix Police Department.
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Additional Resources
- AZFamily: City Manager Defends Search for New Police Chief
- 12 News: City Manager Seeks Police Chief Who Can Bridge Divide
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Michael Sullivan Drops Out of Police Chief Race
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Chief
- Google Search: Phoenix Police Chief Search
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.
