~ Mesa, AZ - After a remarkable 30-year career with the Mesa Police Department, Police Chief Kenneth Cost has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2025. Chief Cost has been the department's top official since 2019 and has led the agency through significant transformation and achievement.

According to Mesa City Manager Chris Brady, Chief Cost has played a crucial role in transforming the Mesa Police Department into a model law enforcement agency. Under his leadership, the city has seen a significant decrease in violent crime rates, unprecedented solve rates, and stronger community partnerships. Brady also praised Chief Cost for setting a new standard for policing not just in Mesa but across the nation through strategic planning, officer training, and technological innovation.

During his tenure as Chief, Cost implemented several strategic initiatives that have positioned Mesa as the second safest major city in the United States with a population of over 500,000. These initiatives include developing the department's Strategic Plan, implementing the nationally recognized SPARC Youth Sports Program, comprehensive training reforms, and technological advancements such as the Real-Time Crime Center and drone first responders.

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Expressing his gratitude for his time as Chief of Police in Mesa, Kenneth Cost stated that it had been the greatest honor of his professional life to serve alongside the dedicated men and women of the department. He also highlighted their collective efforts in building a department that prioritizes community engagement, officer wellness, and innovative approaches to public safety. He expressed deep pride in their accomplishments and confidence that their foundation will continue to serve the Mesa community for years to come.

Under Chief Cost's leadership, the Mesa Police Department thrived with successful recruitment of over 300 new officers and reducing vacancy rates to historic lows. The department also added a fifth police station and started renovations on its headquarters. Additionally, his implementation of the police jiu-jitsu program has improved officer and community safety while reducing use-of-force incidents in Mesa.

Mayor Mark Freeman also expressed his gratitude for Chief Cost's contributions to Mesa, stating that on behalf of the City Council and all Mesa residents, he wants to thank him for his exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the community. He credited Chief Cost's leadership for making Mesa one of the safest cities in America and building trust between the police department and the community. He wished him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

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Chief Cost holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from California State University at Fullerton and a master's degree from Xavier University in Ohio. He is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy for Police Executives and the FBI's National Executive Institute. Before joining the Mesa Police Department, Chief Cost served as a sworn investigator with the State of California in East Los Angeles. Throughout his career in Mesa, he has held various roles, including Special Investigations-Gang Unit, Street Crimes, Violent Offender-US Marshals Task Force, and various positions in Criminal Investigations.

Scott Butler, who currently oversees Mesa public safety and will become the incoming City Manager, praised Chief Cost's leadership for transforming the Mesa Police Department into an innovative, community-focused agency that serves as a model for police departments nationwide. He also highlighted Chief Cost's strategic emphasis on officer recruitment, training, and retention that has positioned the department for continued success. Butler expressed confidence that the foundation laid by Chief Cost will allow them to continue providing exceptional public safety services to Mesa residents for generations to come.

The process of selecting a new Mesa Police Chief will be overseen by incoming City Manager Scott Butler in June to ensure a smooth transition in leadership within the department. The focus will be on selecting a candidate who can build upon Chief Cost's accomplishments while bringing fresh perspectives to continue evolving the department.

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