Matthew Giordano
After a nationwide search and restarting the recruitment process in April, City Manager Jeff Barton announced on July 8 that he had named Matt Giordano as the next chief of police for the city of Phoenix.
Giordano, who at the time of the announcement was serving as executive director of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST), is a former Phoenix police officer who brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience to the role.
“This selection reflects what we heard from residents, officers and community stakeholders,” said Barton in a released statement. “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.”
Giordano began his law enforcement career with the Phoenix Police Department, rising through the ranks until he left the department as a commander to become executive chief of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. From that position, he took on the role at AZPOST where he led statewide efforts to elevate training standards, promote transparency, and reinforce officer accountability. The city says that his strong relationships with law enforcement agencies and communities across Arizona position him to drive meaningful progress within the Phoenix Police Department.
According to statement from District 4 Councilwoman Laura Pastor, “The appointment of Matt Giordano as Phoenix’s next Police Chief comes at a pivotal moment for our city and nation. As Chief Giordano steps into this role, I expect him to engage with the community, address the challenges outlined in the DOJ report, and pursue meaningful change.
“We have a long road ahead to rebuild trust through stronger oversight, equitable practices, and constitutional policing. I remain committed to working with community members and officers alike to deliver reforms that ensure accountability and safety for all Phoenix residents.”
Giordano’s official start date and swearing-in ceremony will be announced after all background and hiring standards are completed.
Editor’s note: Monday, Aug. 11, marked Police Chief Matthew Giordano’s first day; an official swearing-in ceremony will be held Thursday, Aug. 28., 10-11:30 a.m., at 200 W. Jefferson St. A video message from Giordano to the community is available here: https://youtu.be/5Xx4fmj3Jdo.
