PHOENIX — After a lengthy and often unpredictable search, the City of Phoenix has selected Matt Giordano, a former longtime Phoenix police officer and current executive director of Arizona’s law enforcement standards board, to serve as the city’s next permanent police chief.
Giordano’s appointment, announced Tuesday, marks the end of a national recruitment process that began in late 2024 and included multiple rounds and a complete restart after earlier finalists withdrew or were reassigned.
“I’m honored to return to the department where my career began,” Giordano said in a city-issued press release. “I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Phoenix Police Department and strengthening the relationships we have with the communities we serve. Together, we will build a safer, more unified Phoenix.”
A Leader with Deep Local Roots
Giordano stood out among the finalists as the only candidate with direct experience within the Phoenix Police Department. He previously served over two decades with the department, ultimately retiring as a commander. His career also includes leadership roles with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and, more recently, as executive director of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, which oversees certification and accountability for officers statewide.
City Manager Jeff Barton, who oversaw the hiring process, said Giordano’s selection was informed by public feedback and internal department consultation.
“This selection reflects what we heard from residents, officers and community stakeholders,” Barton said. “Matt Giordano is a respected leader with deep knowledge of policing in Phoenix, and he has earned a reputation for integrity, accountability and building trust.”
Mayor Kate Gallego echoed that sentiment, emphasizing both his law enforcement expertise and understanding of local dynamics. “Chief Giordano has the skills, the experience, and the commitment to guide our police department forward,” she said. “I look forward to working with him to advance public safety and continue key reforms.”
End of a Long Interim Period
Giordano will become Phoenix’s first permanent police chief since Jeri Williams retired in 2022. Michael Sullivan, brought in as interim chief, was tasked with guiding the department through a U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation. While the DOJ initially published findings highlighting patterns of misconduct, those findings were retracted earlier this year under the new federal administration.
Sullivan stepped down in April 2025 and was later appointed chief of the U.S. Capitol Police. His departure left Executive Assistant Chief Dennis Orender serving as acting chief until Giordano’s appointment.
What Comes Next
Giordano’s official start date has not yet been announced. The city noted that he will be sworn in after completing final background checks and hiring formalities.
As Phoenix continues to navigate complex issues including police reform, staffing shortages, and community trust, Giordano’s return signals a new chapter for the department—one grounded in experience, continuity, and a commitment to restoring public confidence.
“I’m ready to get to work,” Giordano said. “Phoenix is my home, and I’m proud to lead this department into its next era.”
