Phoenix’s first permanent police chief since 2022 has officially stepped into his new role, which he has called a “homecoming.”<\/p>\n
Matt Giordano’s first day as head of the department was Aug. 11, and in a video<\/a>, he said he was committed to leading with “integrity, humility and transparency” and he believes in a department that “protects and connects.”<\/p>\n Giordano began his career in Phoenix. He worked there for 23 years until 2017, when he retired as a commander. He went on to serve as the executive chief of enforcement for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office under Paul Penzone and then as the executive director of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board.<\/p>\n For months, Phoenix conducted a nationwide search to find a new permanent chief. Giordano was selected in July<\/a>, about three months after the city initially planned<\/a> to have a new chief.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a privilege to lead the Phoenix Police Department at such a pivotal time,\u201d said Giordano in a statement. \u201cI am committed to building trust with our community, supporting our officers, and ensuring we deliver effective, accountable, and compassionate policing.”<\/p>\n Giordano added he knows the challenges the department faces, but that there are dedicated people who work there, and they will all work to make Phoenix safer.<\/p>\n In June 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice released a report<\/a> on the department and the city. It found the department had widespread issues: Officers routinely used excessive force, discriminated against people of color and violated the rights of protestors and people experiencing homelessness. The Trump administration closed the investigation<\/a> and rescinded its findings in May.<\/p>\n At a community forum in June, Giordano and the other finalists for the chief position said Phoenix police have made positive changes<\/a> in response to the federal probe and that they would work to build on these improvements within the department.<\/p>\n Elena Santa Cruz is a criminal justice reporter for The Republic. Reach her at elena.santacruz@gannett.com<\/a>. Follow her on X @ecsantacruz3<\/a>.<\/p>\n This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Matt Giordano marks first day as Phoenix police chief<\/a><\/p>\n