Scottsdale names an interim police chief

Scottsdale City Manager Jim Thompson has selected Jeff Walther to serve as interim police chief, according to a city press release.

Current Police Chief Alan Rodbell will retire Nov. 30, and Mr. Walther will guide the department while a national search and recruitment is conducted to select Rodbell’s replacement, the press release stated.

Mr. Walther retired from the Scottsdale Police Department as an assistant chief in 2018 after serving the department for 24 years. He will return from retirement to lead the department during the recruitment period, which is expected to take six to eight months.

Mr. Walther will not seek the permanent position, the press release stated.

“Alan Rodbell has served this community with dedication and distinction, and with a new City Council taking their seats in January, we will begin the process to recruit someone who will continue that legacy and lead our outstanding police department,” said City Manager Jim Thompson in a prepared statement.

“We are fortunate to be able to bring back Jeff Walther, who knows our community and our department, to serve in this interim role.

“In cases like this, my preference is to select an interim leader who will not be a candidate for the permanent job. That assures a level playing field for others who want to apply for the job, whether they are internal candidates or people from outside the organization.”