Phoenix City Manager David Cavazos has named Daniel V. Garcia the new Police Chief for the City of Phoenix.
Garcia has served nearly 34 years in the Dallas Police Department, most recently serving as an assistant police chief since 2004. During his extensive and distinguished career in Dallas, Garcia worked in nearly every area of the Dallas Police Department, including patrol, airport police, operations, detective, firearms instructor, homeland security, traffic, internal affairs and personnel, detention services and the legal unit.
“After a nationwide search and a thorough interview process that included more than 30 members of the Phoenix community, I have selected Daniel Garcia to serve as Phoenix’s next Police Chief,” said Cavazos. “We have an outstanding Police Department that has earned a national reputation for its community-based policing and many other innovative programs. Chief Garcia will help lead the department to the next level of excellence, integrity and respect for our community.”
“Daniel V. Garcia will bring new, strong and sound leadership to our police department, which is already one of the best in the country,” Mayor Greg Stanton said.
“I have made it clear to him that community policing is essential to increasing trust of police in our communities and neighborhoods, no matter what part of town you live in. I hold Phoenix police to the highest standard, and I expect him to lead our police force toward a strong, public safety future.”
“I would like to thank City Manager David Cavazos for leading this selection process in an open and inclusive way, allowing for input from all sectors of our community, including minority groups,” said Councilman Michael Nowakowski, chairman of the City Council Public Safety, Veterans, Transparency and Ethics Subcommittee.
Garcia earned his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Police Executive Research Forum. Garcia has earned many awards throughout his career, including runner-up Rookie of the Year, 11 Dallas Police Shooting awards, Texas State Rifle Association Marksman Champion, and League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 100 Certificate of Appreciation.
Garcia will begin his new assignment in May.