Glendale’s interim chief of police will now serve the city in a permanent role for the foreseeable future.

Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps announced Friday afternoon that Chris Briggs, interim chief of police, will now serve in his law enforcement leadership role permanently, according to a release.

Mr. Briggs served as assistant chief of police from February 2016 to August 2019 before being appointed to the interim chief of police position, after then-Chief of Police Rick St. John retired.

“Chris Briggs is a proven leader, a man who embodies the vision and values of our city and an example of dedication to and growth within the organization,” Mr. Phelps stated. “We’re fortunate that we have an amazing police leadership team, now led by Briggs, who are fully focused on accountability, diversity, transparency and keeping our community safe.”

Mr. Briggs joined the Glendale Police Department in 1992 and has served in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, the Professional Standards Unit, and Special Operations. He was also an assistant chief, overseeing the Investigations and Administrative Bureau where he was responsible for criminal investigations, undercover operations, training, personnel management, planning and research, grants and the department budget. Briggs has also planned special events and contingency responses for events including NFL and NHL games, Super Bowls, city events and Luke Air Force Base air shows.

“I am honored to be the chief of police and to be able to work with the finest law enforcement team in the country,” Mr. Briggs stated. “We will continue our efforts to reduce crime, implement increased training, and bring in new technologies to ensure a safe community for our residents, businesses and visitors.”