Police Chief Joseph G. Yahner
I am proud to serve the citizens of Phoenix as Police Chief. The Phoenix Police Department currently has nearly 2700 officers and a total of 3600 employees. In addition to our day to day service, we have proudly supported worldwide events including two Super Bowls, MLB and NBA All-Star Games, many Presidential visits, Fiesta Bowl Parades, Phoenix Comicon, and countless other events that showcase Phoenix as a great place to live, work, and play. With more than 30 years of experience with the Phoenix Police Department, I have made it my mission as Police Chief to focus our efforts on five main areas: Crime Suppression, Community Engagement and Outreach, Technology, Training, and Hiring.
Crime Suppression
The men and women of the Phoenix Police Department are dedicated to suppressing crime and arresting those offenders responsible for criminal activity. During the last several years, we have experienced a consistent reduction in overall crime. For example, last year alone we had nearly 2,000 fewer crime victims than the year before. We continue to work with our community, enhance training for our employees, and improve available technologies to maintain this positive trend.
Community Engagement
We now have a Community Services Division to maximize our involvement with the citizens of Phoenix. The Phoenix Police Department has a variety of innovative community based programs that allow for greater interaction and partnership building with our residents. One of these programs is our Citizen's Police Academy which exposes members of our community to the inner workings of the Department. We also have twelve Advisory Boards representing a broad cross-section of our community that meet consistently to advise the Police Department on issues affecting our diverse population. For more information on available programs, click on the Community Outreach tab on our homepage or click here now.
Technology
The Police Department is implementing an entirely new Records Management System (RMS). Our new RMS will allow for more efficient communication with a variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Data extracted from the system will enhance our ability to locate and address crime trends and related issues. We continue to be leaders in the development and use of body worn cameras. We currently have 150 cameras in use and recently received funding through a Department of Justice grant to purchase and deploy 150 additional cameras.
Training
In April 2015, we added an additional 40 hour block of in-service training for every officer. The training focuses on contemporary issues in law enforcement as well as sound policing principles. Our officers are receiving updated training in topics including cultural awareness, safe driving, use of force, de-escalation techniques, and mental health issues.
Hiring
The Phoenix Police Department recently received approval to hire nearly 300 new officers this fiscal year. As we grow the Department, we strive to hire the very best candidates that are reflective of the diverse community that we serve. To seek a career opportunity with the Phoenix Police Department, click here now.
About Chief Yahner
Joe Yahner was appointed Police Chief of the Phoenix Police Department in February 2015. He oversees the largest police department in the State of Arizona consisting of more than 3,700 sworn and civilian personnel.
Chief Yahner was born and raised in Phoenix. He is a 31-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department. He rose quickly through the ranks, and has served in nearly all divisions of the police department. For more than half of his career he has served in command and executive-level assignments.
As an Assistant Chief overseeing the Department’s Homeland Security Division, Chief Yahner was responsible for all phases of security planning and related operational activities associated with Super Bowl 42, the 2009 NBA All-Star game, and the opening of Light Rail in Phoenix. He also spent more than 5 years managing the daily operations of the police department as the Executive Assistant Chief. While serving in this capacity, he was appointed Acting Police Chief on two separate occasions. For a combined total of 16 months, Chief Yahner fulfilled the responsibilities of both Police Chief and Executive Officer positions. This was a significant accomplishment given the size and scope of the administrative and operational responsibilities associated with a major city police department.
Chief Yahner is a member of the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP).
Chief Yahner holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Arizona State University, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. He is also a graduate of Arizona State University’s Certified Public Manager Program and the Public Executive Advanced Program.
To learn more about the Phoenix Police Department visit the More About Us page.
