Chief Stahl to Retire, Commander Hughes Named Replacement
Commander Hughes
[NEWS RELEASE] City of Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl announced his retirement today after more than nine years of dedicated service for the City of Maricopa and a 33-year law enforcement career. Commander Jim Hughes, who has served as a Commander for nearly nine years with the City of Maricopa, will be promoted to Chief of Police. The two will collaborate for a smooth transition over the coming weeks with the official transfer date of Monday, January 4.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work with and for the dedicated men and women of the Maricopa Police Department. You all have made me very proud,” expressed Chief Stahl. “I have also been humbled to serve with many federal, state, county and local law enforcement leaders throughout the country. They have all helped me tremendously. Thank you to all the city managers, mayors and councilmembers for having faith in me and giving me this opportunity. Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife for her constant patience and love; and to my children for the sacrifices they have endured by having a law enforcement father. It is now time to devote my efforts into being a better husband, father and grandfather.”
“It has been my pleasure to work with Chief Stahl,” said City Manager Rick Horst. “He has provided steady, progressive leadership inside the department, and has also made a positive impact as a member of the City’s leadership team and as a community leader, involved in a wide variety of projects that extend beyond traditional police work into matters of equity and community wellbeing.”
Chief Stahl has led the Maricopa Police Department through great change during his tenure, focusing on community outreach, improved policing tools and use of data in crime reduction. Residents have enjoyed the ability to directly engage through his monthly “Coffee with Chief” citizen meetings. Stahl championed joining the Regional Wireless Cooperative greatly improving police communication and radio coverage. He led the effort for Maricopa to become one of the first cities in Pinal County to equip officers with body-worn cameras, expanding transparency and training. During his tenure, the Maricopa Police Department earned the status as the youngest city to ever reach National Accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), ensuring policies and practices meet or exceed best practices. Stahl implemented CompStat, a nationally recognized approach to crime reduction, and introduced intelligence-led policing. While at the helm of the department, the City of Maricopa has been consistently ranked in the top 10 safest cities in the state.
“It has been my privilege to serve as one of Chief Stahl’s Commanders for the last eight years,” described Commander Hughes. “I have learned so much from Chief Stahl. His mentorship and support have prepared me for this tremendous opportunity. It is an honor to have been chosen to lead the amazing men and women of the Maricopa Police Department.”
“Commander Hughes has a proven track record as a tremendous leader,” explained Assistant City Manager Jennifer Brown. “His expertise in community policing and keen communication and collaboration skills are the perfect fit to continue to move the department in a positive direction as we grow and evolve as a city.”
Commander Hughes began his police career in Mendham Township, New Jersey in 1986, moving all the way through the ranks to eventually serve as lieutenant for nine years, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department. Jim has served as a police commander in the City of Maricopa since 2012, serving first over operations, building partnerships throughout the city and restructuring units and protocols for better efficiency and outcomes. Most recently, he supervised the Support Services division, focusing on innovative solutions coupled with prudent spending to ensure the city has the tools and resources needed to be successful for years to come.
“The police chief/city manager relationship is one of the most critical partnerships in local government management,” adds City Manager Horst. “I am grateful that we have a well-prepared successor in the appointment of Commander Hughes as our next Chief of Police. Not only will he bridge from the old to the new, but will take us to the next level of modern day policing and community service.”
