Tempe Police Chief Resigns, Will Leave In October

PHOENIX — Tempe Police Chief Sylvia Moir has resigned and will leave her post on Oct. 25, the city announced Tuesday. The news comes as Tempe grapples with issues of police brutality.

In a news release, the city said Moir has "agreed to leave her role" and her resignation was accepted by City Manager Andrew Ching.

“Chief Moir has dedicated her professional life to Tempe for nearly five years,” Ching said. “That time and care devoted to our community is deserving of sincere thanks. I am grateful for her service to the Tempe Police Department.”

Moir was appointed to the position in 2016 and served as the first female chief in Tempe Police Department history. It is unclear what prompted Moir's resignation.

“Chief Moir served the residents of Tempe well,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said in a statement. “She cares deeply for our community members and Tempe Police employees, and she has worked tirelessly to move our department forward. I have truly enjoyed working with her and wish her all the best.”

Tempe police have come under fire recently after a white officer held a Black hotel employee at gunpoint while searching for a white suspect who was believed to be armed. Video of the encounter on Aug. 29 made the internet rounds and drew ire from the community. The city also settled with the family of Antonio Arce, the 14-year-old who was fatally shot in the back by an officer while holding a toy gun; the Tucson City Council approved a settlement of $2 million in June.

Woods previously announced a new public safety task force in August that aims to examine and innovate policing in the city, particularly focusing on how the police department engages with communities of color and those with mental health issues.

An announcement about Moir's interim replacement is forthcoming, according to the city.

“The City Council and I look forward to partnering with the City Manager during this transition as he works to select our interim and permanent police leadership,” Woods said.