The search for the next Phoenix police chief has been narrowed down to four finalists:
- Ed DeCastro, a 24-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department, who currently serves as an assistant chief over investigations.
- Casey Johnson, who has served 23 years with the Oakland Police Department and is currently a deputy chief overseeing field operations and special operations.
- Michael Sullivan, who has been serving as Phoenix’s interim police chief since 2022 and whose previous experience includes stints with the Baltimore and Louisville police departments.
- Ed Wessing, a 29-year veteran of the Mesa Police Department who serves as an assistant chief leading training, human resources, fiscal, community relations and forensics.
The job opened up when former Chief Jeri Williams retired in 2022. Sullivan came from Baltimore that year to take on the role of interim chief, which he has held ever since.
The city said the four finalists were chosen after a nationwide search that began in December, working with the Police Executive Research Forum.
After a list of qualified applicants was established, semifinalists were chosen for interviews, which were conducted March 3. From that group, the four finalists were named.
The finalists will appear at a public forum at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Phoenix City Council Chambers. They will respond to questions that have been submitted. Feedback and questions can be submitted to the city here.
The city expects to name the next chief sometime in April.
