As of May 2024, the Phoenix Police Department comprises just over 2,500 officers, some 625 below authorized strength of 3,125[3][4] and more than 1,000 support personnel.

The department serves a population of more than 1.64 million[2] and patrol almost 516 square miles (1,340 km2)[2] of the fifth largest city in the United States.

In the early 1900s, the Phoenix Police Department used Old Nelly, the horse, to pull the patrol wagon for officers.

The police department moved into the west section of the new city-county building at 17 South 2nd Avenue.

In the year prior, the first police radio system in Arizona was installed for the department with the call letters KGZJ.

[13] Civil rights leaders and community activists have argued that the city's police officers are rarely held accountable for using lethal force and making false statements.

[39] Sullivan began his career in law enforcement with the Louisville Metro Police Department.

Where he served in the Operations Bureau as well as led BPD's reform efforts and brought the agency into initial compliance with a number of the mandates of its Federal Consent Decree.

There is no associated elevation in actual rank, and no additional pay, as these extra rockers are optional and only meant to distinguish time in the grade and are not a promotion.

The Phoenix Police Department also uses shoulder patches to denote the positions of Sergeant-in-Training and Field Training Officer, although these are not official supervisory ranks.

[44] Phoenix Police officers are typically armed with a Glock 17 pistol chambered in 9mm.