About Tempe Police Chief Tom Ryff
Throughout his 32 year career as a Tempe Police Officer, Tom Ryff has recognized the importance of building coalitions and promoting a community police force that values inclusiveness, innovation and diversity.
Since becoming Chief in 2006, his goal has been to transform the Tempe Police Department into a high-performing, high-morale organization that excels in delivering high-quality police services and is prepared to meet the increased public safety challenges of the future.
Under Ryff’s leadership, Tempe Police Department continues to receive excellent citizen satisfaction ratings in Tempe’s Community Survey. Chief Ryff values community partnership and recognizes that the key to leading a successful Police Department is establishing strong employee and community relations.
Tom Ryff is a lifelong Tempe resident and graduated from Tempe High. He holds a Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, and serves as an adjunct faculty member with the University of North Florida.
Ryff is an active member and/or supporter of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, Latino Peace Officers Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Arizona Black Law Enforcement Employees, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Project Challenge Board Member, Council on American-Islamic Relations, and Los Vecinos Community Action Group.
Further demonstrating his commitment to diversity, he is a 2009 recipient of the League of United Latin American Citizens Community Service Award and the Human Relations Commission Diversity Award. Chief Ryff has also been honored with the East Valley NAACP President’s Award.
For his 32 year career in law enforcement, commitment to community safety, and the innovation and advances he has contributed to Traffic Safety, Chief Ryff was chosen in 2011 as the premiere recipient of a new award from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety – the GOHS Traffic Safety Award.
