PHX Reporter

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said leaders in the city of Phoenix must make the selection process of the city’s next police chief without regard for politics.

“Politics gets far too involved in policing,” Penzone said in a story by KTAR. “So when those responsible to make this decision go through the process, I just hope they’re objective and pragmatic and that it is not about political elements, it’s not about some kind of trying to send the ‘right’ message to a faction of people.”

Police Chief Jeri Williams announced May 3 that she would retire after six years as chief, effective some time this summer. City Manager Jeff Barton said an interim police chief would be appointed, and a new chief would be hired from outside the Phoenix Police Department.

Penzone said he understands the tight rope city officials have to walk when selecting a new chief, whether the proper candidate is internal or external.

“It’s challenging because what you don’t want to do is … if you go outside and the person is not either familiar [with] or a good fit for the personality of our community, the personality of the Phoenix Police Department, it could be detrimental,” he said in the story. “But if you stay inside, is it too familiar where you can’t get the changes done that you need.”

In addition, anyone who takes on the role has to be able to build strong ties with other local law enforcement agencies.

“You can drive three miles and go through four jurisdictions, so you have to have a healthy working relationship,” he said. “If we lack that, then we are going to struggle in all aspects of what we’re trying to do for our communities.”