PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council voted Wednesday to approve a one-year contract that pays their new interim police chief a salary of $232,000.
Chief Michael Sullivan will officially replace Jeri Williams as the police department's new leader on Sept. 12 after Williams chose to step down as chief earlier this year.
The employment contract approved this week by the council can be extended up to an additional 24 months as Phoenix continues its search for a permanent replacement.
Sullivan's contract includes a $120 per month communication allowance, vacation and sick leave accruals, life insurance benefits, and a relocation expense reimbursement worth up to $5,000.
Sullivan began his career in law enforcement with the Louisville Metro Police Department before moving to Baltimore in 2019. He was assigned to lead reform efforts in Baltimore after the Department of Justice investigated the police agency in 2016 for accusations of excessive force and constitutional violations.
The Phoenix Police Department has been subjected to its own DOJ investigation over the last year.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said Sullivan has relevant experience for helping the city navigate through the coming months and has displayed a passion for modernizing police departments.
"He's committed to working with the community and developing stronger relationships," the mayor said Wednesday.
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