Mesa Police Chief Kenneth Cost has announced that he is leaving the Department effective June 30, 2025.
Cost has had a 30-year career with the Mesa Police Department. Chief Cost has been the department’s top official since 2019, leading the agency through significant transformation and achievement.
“Chief Cost has been instrumental in transforming the Mesa Police Department into a model law enforcement agency,” said Mesa City Manager Chris Brady. “Under his leadership, Mesa has seen dramatic reductions in violent crime, unprecedented solve rates, and stronger community partnerships. He set a new standard for policing in Mesa and across the nation through strategic planning, officer training and technological innovation.”
During his tenure as Chief, Cost implemented strategic initiatives that have positioned Mesa as the second safest major city in the United States, with a population of over 500,000. He implemented innovative approaches to policing, including developing the department’s Strategic Plan, the nationally recognized SPARC Youth Sports Program, comprehensive training reforms, and technological advancements such as the Real-Time Crime Center and drone first responders.
“It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve as Mesas Police Chief and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of this department,” said Chief Cost. ‘Together, we’ve built a department that prioritizes community engagement, officer wellness, and innovative approaches to public safety. 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.”
Mayor Mark Freeman expressed his gratitude for Chief Costs contributions to Mesa: “On behalf of the City Council and all Mesa residents, I want to thank Chief Cost for his exceptional service and unwavering commitment to our community. Under his leadership, Mesa has become one of the safest cities in America. His dedication to building trust between our police department and the community has made Mesa a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
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