The City of Phoenix is moving closer to appointing a new police chief, revealing four top candidates for the position. Former Chief Jeri Williams stepped down in 2022 amidst a Department of Justice inquiry, which came to light after ABC15's report spotlighting false gang-related charges against police protestors made by Phoenix police and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. In a release from the city provided on Friday, four contenders for the role were officially announced, reported ABC15.
The aspirants include Ed DeCastro, with 24 years in the Phoenix Police Department, currently overseeing the Investigations Division; Casey Johnson, a deputy chief from the Oakland Police Department handling Field Operations and Special Operations; Michael Sullivan, the interim Phoenix Police Chief previously connected with Baltimore and Louisville's Police Departments; and Ed Wessing, an assistant chief from the Mesa Police Department supervising training, human resources, fiscal management, community relations, and forensics. Sullivan, who stepped in after Williams' retirement, has faced scrutiny, with internal reports indicating a lack of popularity among the ranks.
According to KJZZ, the four candidates were selected following a nationwide search that commenced in December, involving the Police Executive Research Forum. After interviews conducted on March 3 with the semifinalists, the finalists were chosen for the public forum scheduled on March 19.
The chosen candidates will gather at the Phoenix City Council Chambers for the public forum, where they will address community-submitted questions. The event, starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, will be the community's opportunity to directly question the finalists on key issues. The City of Phoenix is expected to announce its decision in April, closing this significant chapter of leadership transition in one of America's largest police departments, which in recent years, has come under immense scrutiny due to a "pattern or practice" of excessive force and other concerns detailed in a 126-page DOJ report last year.
Community members interested in the impending leadership decision or who wish to submit questions can find further information and a feedback form on the city's website.
