Mesa, AZ The City of Mesa announced today that Interim Police Chief Kenneth Cost has been selected as the new Chief of Police for the Mesa Police Department. Cost has been with the Department for 25 years and in the position of interim Police Chief since November 2019.
The Chief of Police is one of the most important leadership positions in the City overseeing our largest department and public safety personnel. City Manager Chris Brady said. Chief Cost has a long and distinguished record with the department and is respected by his peers and the community. He was chosen because he is the best person to lead the department and connect with our residents and businesses.
Chief Cost has been with the Mesa Police Department more than two decades starting his career in 1995. He has served in several areas of the department and in every rank leading up to assistant chief. Some of these assignments included Patrol, Special Investigations-Gang Unit, Community Action Team, Street Crimes, Violent Offender-US Marshals Task Force and Criminal Investigations.
The entire City Council is in full support of the selection of Chief Cost as Mesas permanent Police Chief, Mayor John Giles said. He is not only a man of integrity and dedication who is well respected in the field, but he loves this City and it shows in his community involvement as a member of the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens, mentor for the East Valley Boys & Girls Club, youth and high school sports coach.
As a Commander, Costs assignments included Fiesta Patrol, Human Resources and Training. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in March 2018 heading up the Patrol Operations Bureau.
The safety of our citizens is the number one priority in our City, so the selection of both our Police Chief and our Fire/Medical Chief has a special significance, said Councilmember David Luna, chair of the Council Public Safety Committee.
Chief Cost has been an asset to the Mesa Police Department for many years and I have no doubt he will continue to serve with honor and compassion as our Chief.
Chief Cost holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice from California State University at Fullerton and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for Police Executives. He will also be completing his masters degree in Criminal Justice Administration this Fall.
I am honored to be asked to serve the community I love with the fine men and women of the Mesa Police Department. Police Chief Ken Cost said. Together, working as one team with the outstanding sworn and professional staff members of this organization, we will continue our mission of partnering with the community to protect and serve the residents of Mesa
The Mesa Police Department has approximately 1,200 employees, a budget of $196 million and is recognized nationally for its innovation and use of technology.
Public Information and Communications Contact:
Steve Wright
Tel. 480-644-2069
steven.wright@mesaaz.gov