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Michael Giordano Named Phoenix Police Chief After Search Restart
Phoenix, AZ – August 11, 2025 – Michael Giordano has been officially appointed as the new chief of the Phoenix Police Department, the city announced today. The decision comes after a revised search process following the initial selection process yielding no suitable candidate. Giordano, who had been serving as interim chief, will now lead the department full-time.
Giordano’s appointment follows a period of scrutiny and reform efforts within the department. The city initially planned to have a new chief in place earlier this year, but the search was relaunched after failing to identify a candidate who met the city’s requirements.
“It’s a privilege to lead the Phoenix Police Department at such a pivotal time,” said Giordano in a statement released by the city. “I am committed to building trust with our community, supporting our officers, and ensuring we deliver effective, accountable, and compassionate policing.”
Giordano acknowledged the meaningful challenges facing the department, including ongoing concerns about police conduct and community relations. He emphasized the dedication of the department’s approximately 1,388 sworn officers and 800 civilian staff, and pledged to work collaboratively to enhance public safety throughout the 518 square miles of Phoenix.
The appointment arrives in the wake of a critical U.S. Department of Justice report released in June 2024. The 126-page report detailed widespread issues within the Phoenix Police Department, citing patterns of excessive force, discriminatory practices against communities of color, and violations of the rights of protestors and individuals experiencing homelessness.The investigation, initiated in 2021, focused on allegations of civil rights violations. The Trump administration closed the investigation and rescinded its findings in May 2025.
During a community forum held on June 18, 2024, at the Burton Barr Central Library, Giordano and other finalists for the chief position outlined their plans to address the concerns raised by the federal probe. They highlighted recent changes implemented by the department, including enhanced de-escalation training, body-worn camera upgrades, and revised use-of-force policies. The city’s proposed police budget for fiscal years 2025-2026 totals $835 million.
