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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 The Trump administration closed the investigation and rescinded its findings in May 2025.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.
RIO VERDE, AZ – August 3, 2024 – Authorities in Maricopa County have rescued dozens of neglected animals from a property in Rio Verde, Arizona, amid scorching summer heat.The operation, conducted on August 3rd, involved the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Rural Metro Fire Department.
The animals, discovered on a property located approximately 40 minutes east of Scottsdale and north of Fort McDowell, included a diverse and unusual collection: horses, camels, goats, rams, sheep, and tortoises. More exotic animals were also found, such as a cockatoo, a bull, and a zebra, according to the MCSO.
Sheriff’s Office images documented the animals’ condition, revealing horses with visible ribs and a ram suffering from severely matted fur, indicative of prolonged neglect. The rescue occurred as temperatures reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit,according to the National Weather Service.
The Rural Metro Fire Department responded swiftly, providing over 2,000 gallons of water to rehydrate the dehydrated animals. The rescued animals were then transported to the maricopa animal Safe Haven (MASH) unit, a specialized division of the MCSO dedicated to animal welfare, and local veterinary clinics for further care.
Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan personally participated in the rescue, photographed with one of the rescued camels. “Sheriff Sheridan, who assisted in the rescue, remains committed to fighting for those who can’t speak for themselves,” stated the MCSO in a Facebook post. “Today is another powerful reminder: neglect will not be ignored. Every life matters.”
MCSO spokesperson William Jinks confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the animals’ neglect and to identify any potential violations of animal cruelty laws. As of August 3rd, no arrests have been made. The property is owned by [Property Owner Name Redacted Pending Investigation], according to county records.
MASH, established in 2017, provides shelter, medical attention, and rehabilitation services for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals within Maricopa County. The unit handles an average of 300 cases annually, often involving large-scale neglect situations like this one.The cost of caring for the animals is funded through donations and county resources.
The MCSO has pledged to provide updates on the animals’ recovery and eventual placement in suitable homes. Individuals interested in supporting MASH can find details on donations and volunteer opportunities at [MASH Website Address – Placeholder].
Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.