The future of the Phoenix Police Department's leadership is hanging in the balance amidst stark disapproval from its ranks. According to a survey by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), a resounding 86% of officers believe the department is headed in the wrong direction under the interim Chief Michael Sullivan, as reported by AZFamily. Further driving this sentiment, a staggering 88% of respondents expressed that they do not support Sullivan becoming the permanent chief.
President of PLEA, Darrell Kriplean voiced the association's grievances, stating, "The members of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association are disappointed and frustrated by the lack of support and leadership from interim Chief Sullivan." Kriplean continued, "Rather than defending our officers when they acted properly and within department policy, Chief Sullivan has succumbed to the pressure of bureaucrats and biased media. Our officers and Phoenix residents deserve better," according to a news release issued by the union, as per AZFamily.
Further compounding the dim view of Sullivan's tenure, the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association (PPSLA) revealed similar discontent in their own survey. ABC15 acquired the survey results showing that less than 2.5% of 324 surveyed members believed the department was moving in the right direction under the current interim chief. Nearly 98% opposed endorsing Sullivan for the permanent chief position, ABC15 reports.
Ben Leuschner, President of PPSLA, disclosed his perspective on the troubling results, "On a personal note, I've been with this department for nearly 35 years," Leuschner said. "I've seen tough times and leadership concerns. but this survey reflects an unprecedented level of concern from the leadership in this department," in a video to members. Beyond leadership woes, the survey respondents pointed fingers at the city council or assistant city manager for decision-making, with 96% believing Sullivan is not in control of decisions about the department, as per ABC15.
All eyes are on the City of Phoenix as it processes applications for the permanent chief role, where interviews are currently underway. Finalists are expected to be announced in March. In the interim, police officers' salaries remained among the highest in the state, and the department saw its first net gain in officer numbers since 2019.
