Matt Giordano named new Chief of Police for Phoenix

PHOENIX: After a national search and community engagement, City Manager Jeff Barton has appointed Matt Giordano as the next Chief of Police for the City of Phoenix.

Giordano, a former Phoenix Police Commander and current Executive Director of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST), brings more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and reform.

“This selection reflects what we heard from residents, officers, and community stakeholders,” Barton said. “Matt Giordano is a respected leader with deep knowledge of policing in Phoenix, and he has earned a reputation for integrity, accountability, and building trust.”

Mayor Kate Gallego welcomed the appointment, calling Giordano the right choice to lead the department through continued reform and public safety improvements.

“Chief Giordano has the skills and experience to lead our great department. I look forward to working with him to keep our city safe,” Gallego said, also thanking Acting Chief Dennis Orender for his leadership during the transition.

Giordano’s law enforcement journey began with the Phoenix Police Department, where he rose through the ranks before taking on senior leadership roles at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and eventually AZPOST. There, he spearheaded major statewide training reforms and promoted transparency and officer accountability.

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“I’m honored to return to the department where my career began,” Giordano said. “Together, we will build a safer, stronger, and more unified Phoenix.”

Community leaders have widely expressed support. “Matt Giordano understands the need for change and the importance of collaboration,” said Dennis Eckerd, a longtime community Block Watch chair. “He listens and leads with integrity.”

Ruben Alvarez, CEO of the Latino Leaders Network, added: “We’re encouraged by his commitment to transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement with all of Phoenix’s diverse communities.”

City Council members also voiced confidence. “Giordano’s appointment is crucial for our city,” said District 5 Councilmember Betty Guardado. “I look forward to working with him on creating safer communities and implementing responsive policing practices, especially in Maryvale.”

Councilmember Ann O’Brien, Chair of the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee, praised Giordano’s career-long dedication to ethical leadership and reform.

“Matt has worked with nearly every community in Phoenix,” she said. “He’s no stranger to tough decisions and raising policing standards across Arizona.”

The date of Giordano’s official swearing-in will be announced after final hiring protocols are completed.