Matthew Giordano Takes Helm as Phoenix Police Chief

The City of Phoenix has officially appointed Matthew Giordano as the new Chief of the Phoenix Police Department. Following a comprehensive national search, City Manager Jeff Barton selected Giordano to lead the agency, a move aimed at bringing stability and experienced leadership to a department that has faced years of controversy.

Professional Background and Experience

Chief Giordano is a veteran law enforcement professional with more than three decades of experience. He is a former Phoenix Police Officer who rose through the ranks to the position of Commander before transitioning to other leadership roles within the region.

Prior to his appointment as Chief, Giordano held several high-level positions, including:

• Executive Director of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST): In this role, he led statewide initiatives to improve training standards, increase transparency, and reinforce officer accountability.
• Executive Chief of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office: He served as the executive chief of enforcement before moving to AZPOST.
• Phoenix Police Department Commander: He spent over 20 years with the department before his initial retirement from the agency.

Education and Qualifications

Giordano’s leadership is backed by academic credentials from two prominent Arizona institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Purchasing and Logistics Management from Arizona State University and a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University.

The Path to Appointment

The selection of Chief Giordano followed a rigorous and sometimes turbulent recruitment process. The city restarted its search in December after scrapping an initial process. Giordano emerged as one of three final candidates, alongside Malik Aziz of the Dallas Police Department and Mirtha V. Ramos of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

The appointment comes after interim police chief Michael Sullivan withdrew his candidacy and subsequently became the U.S. Capitol Police Chief. Giordano was officially sworn in as the Chief of Police on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Strategic Goals for the Department

City officials emphasized that Giordano’s deep knowledge of Phoenix policing and his reputation for integrity build him the right fit for the current climate. Mayor Kate Gallego noted that she looks forward to working with Giordano to maintain city safety and continue the reforms instituted by the City Council.

City Manager Jeff Barton stated that the selection reflects the feedback received from residents, officers, and community stakeholders, highlighting Giordano’s ability to build trust and accountability.

Key Takeaways: Chief Matthew Giordano

• Appointment Date: Sworn in August 28, 2025.
• Previous Role: Executive Director of AZPOST.
• Local Ties: Former Phoenix Police Commander with 20+ years of service.
• Academic Background: Degrees from ASU and NAU.
• Core Focus: Integrity, accountability, and continuing departmental reforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who appointed the new Phoenix Police Chief?

City Manager Jeff Barton named Matthew Giordano as the next Chief following a national search.

What is Giordano’s connection to the Phoenix Police Department?

He is a former officer and commander who served more than 20 years with the department before taking leadership roles at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and AZPOST.

What was Giordano’s role at AZPOST?

As the Executive Director of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, he focused on elevating training standards and promoting transparency across Arizona law enforcement.