Michael Sullivan will join the Phoenix Police Department as interim Police Chief on Sept. 12.

City Manager Jeff Barton announced the selection on Friday.

Sullivan serves as deputy commissioner of the compliance bureau for the Baltimore Police Department.  

In May, Police Chief Jeri Williams informed city leadership of her intent to retire after a 33-year career in law enforcement. Williams will begin her retirement after a transition period to assist Sullivan. 

As interim chief, Sullivan will lead Phoenix police through the currently open Department of Justice  civil pattern or practice investigation.

“In the search for an interim police chief, it was my priority to identify a leader with the qualifications to guide the department through the DOJ investigation and propel the department forward,” Barton said.

“Sullivan brings 27 years of law enforcement experience to the table, and he has led police reform efforts for major cities. His experience working in collaboration with communities, the DOJ, federal court and more gives me confidence he has the experience necessary to step into the interim Phoenix police chief role during this important time.” 

The interim assignment is expected to be for approximately 12-24 months.

During this time, the City of Phoenix will conduct a nationwide search for a permanent police chief. The search will include multiple opportunities for community involvement, according to a city release.

“I am committed to providing transparent and inclusive public engagement in the search for a permanent chief,” Barton said. “Input from our community, officers, elected officials and labor groups will be critical to the selection process.” 

Sullivan began his career in law enforcement with the Louisville Metro Police Department. He rose through the ranks during his more than two decades of various assignments with LMPD and was appointed deputy chief/chief of staff (second in command) in 2015.