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Public Safety

Surprise picks Peoria's Benny Pina as next police chief

Nearby deputy beats out 5 other candidates for position

Posted 5/12/21

Surprise City Manager Mike Frazier announced today that he has selected Peoria Deputy Police Chief Benny Pina to serve as the next chief of the Surprise Police Department.

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Public Safety

Surprise picks Peoria's Benny Pina as next police chief

Nearby deputy beats out 5 other candidates for position

Posted

Surprise City Manager Mike Frazier announced Wednesday he selected Peoria Deputy Police Chief Benny Pina to serve as the next chief of the Surprise Police Department.

“The Surprise Police Department has a mission centered on serving the community,” Mr. Frazier said. “Chief Pina not only has a wealth of experience and strong leadership skills, he also understands the value of community connection and serving with professionalism, accountability and respect.” 

Mr. Pina has served as the deputy police chief in Peoria since 2014. Prior to that appointment, he served 25 years with the Phoenix Police Department rising through the ranks to the position of police commander. 

He has worked in patrol, investigations, special operations, SWAT, K-9, street and violent crime, crisis intervention, school resources, and training. 

He earned a master of education in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor of arts in political science from Arizona State University. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Policing. 

Upon completion of final employment screenings, Mr. Pina will fill the vacancy left following the promotion of former Police Chief Terry Young to Surprise assistant city manager in January 2021.

Various interview panels included representatives from the community, public safety profession and city leadership. The candidates also met with the city council and Surprise Police Department employees.

“The city extends much appreciation to Assistant Police Chief Geoffrey Leggett for his service as interim chief during this transition,” city officials said in a news release.