PHOENIX — Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost is ready to hang up his badge after 30 years in law enforcement service.
He has been the department’s top official since 2019 and will leave after June 30, according to a Thursday announcement from the city.
“It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve as Mesa’s police chief and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of this department,” Cost said in the announcement.
What has Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost accomplished?
During his time leading the department, he has launched several new approaches to policing, including drone first responders and overseeing the creation of the city’s Real Time Crime Center.
Cost also oversaw the addition of a fifth police station, renovations to the Mesa Police HQ and a police jiu-jitsu program to reduce use of force incidents.
“Together, we’ve built a department that prioritizes community engagement, officer wellness and innovative approaches to public safety,” Cost said. “I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I know the foundation we’ve laid will continue to serve the Mesa community for years to come.”
Several other police chiefs stepping down
Cost isn’t the only leader of a police department who recently announced plans to step down.
Last week, Surprise Police Chief Benny Piña announced his intention to retire on May 2 after nearly four years on the job.
Interim Phoenix Chief Michael Sullivan withdrew his candidacy for the permanent position this week and stepped down.
Additionally, the Scottsdale Police Department has been operating under an interim chief since a January city leadership shakeup.
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