City Manager Jeff Barton announced that the City of Phoenix will restart its recruitment process for a new Police Chief. The decision follows Interim Chief Michael Sullivan’s decision to withdraw his candidacy for the permanent position and incorporates feedback from the community and the department.
Chief Sullivan shared that, after nearly three years in the role, he believes stepping aside is in the best interest of the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department and the city he served.
“When I accepted this role, the department was under a Department of Justice (DOJ) Pattern and Practice investigation and facing significant challenges,” said Chief Sullivan. “Throughout my tenure, I’ve worked diligently to navigate that process while focusing on crime reduction, strengthening community trust, and building a culture of continuous improvement. I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made as a department and of the dedication demonstrated by our officers and staff.”
Sullivan joined the Phoenix Police Department in September 2022, bringing decades of law enforcement experience from Louisville and Baltimore. Under his leadership, the city experienced a year-over-year decrease in crime rates, reflecting his commitment to public safety and effective policing.
He also led the department through the DOJ investigation, initiating reforms and implementing strategies to enhance transparency, accountability, and training. His goal was to help the department become a self-assessing, self-correcting agency that aligns its practices with the highest standards in law enforcement. Sullivan’s last day with the department will be April 18.
City officials expressed appreciation for Chief Sullivan’s leadership and contributions, as well as a commitment to carry on the continuous improvement work that has been a focus under Sullivan.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Interim Chief Michael Sullivan,” said City Manager Jeff Barton. “He stepped into a challenging role and helped guide our department through a critical time. His dedication to the community and to the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department left a lasting impact. The continuous improvement processes he implemented will continue to develop, improving public safety in our community for years to come. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
Executive Assistant Chief Dennis Orender Named Acting Chief
To ensure continuity and continued leadership of the continuous improvement projects underway, Executive Assistant Chief Dennis Orender will assume the role of Acting Police Chief. Chief Orender will not be a candidate for the permanent position but will provide interim leadership as the search continues.
Recruitment Process to Begin Immediately
The search for a new Police Chief will resume immediately, building on months of community engagement and feedback. The City previously conducted stakeholder listening sessions with residents, business leaders, labor groups, neighborhood organizations, and other key stakeholders to gather input on the qualities and qualifications most important in the department’s next leader.
This feedback—along with input from the City Council and various departments, as well as information gathered through the public survey—will help shape the selection process and ensure the next phase of recruitment is aligned with community values and priorities.
“We are committed to finding a highly qualified and capable individual who will serve as an exceptional leader for our community and our department,” Barton said. “The initial recruitment process provided us with valuable insights from residents and stakeholders, and we’ll use that guidance to move forward with confidence.”
Applications for the position will be accepted beginning Friday, April 11. Interested, qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
For more information about the recruitment process, please visit www.phoenix.gov/pdchiefrecruitment.
