Governor Doug Ducey announced five appointments to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. In the press release, Ducey stated, “As always, the safety of Arizonans and our communities remains a top priority. It’s crucial that AZPOST members and all law enforcement personnel have the resources, training, and knowledge needed to protect Arizonans and enforce the rule of law. Today’s appointees bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Board, and I’m confident they will serve civilians and law enforcement professionals well.”
Jeri Williams, David Rhodes, Christopher Vasquez, Matthew Figueroa, and Kevin Robinson join the group composed of 13 members. AZPOST was created “to foster public trust and confidence by establishing and maintaining standards of integrity, competence, and professionalism for Arizona peace officers and correctional officers.” Established in 1968, the AZPOST was established “to address the need for minimum peace officer selection, recruitment, retention, and training standards, and to provide curriculum and standards for all certified law enforcement training facilities.”
The new group of appointees provides a wealth of experience and diversity. Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams has 28 years of law enforcement experience. She worked for the City of Oxnard from 2011-2016 before starting her role as police chief in Phoenix. In 2016, Williams was recognized as California Assembly District 44 Woman of the Year for her leadership as Chief of the Oxnard Police Department. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Education from Northern Arizona University.
Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes is a 27-year veteran and began his career as a volunteer. He was appointed to the Committee on Mental Health and the Justice System in August 2018. He graduated from the FBI National Academy and earned the Crisis Response Officer of Distinction Award – Mental Health Criminal Justice Advocacy Coalition. He was elected Sheriff in November of 2020.
Christopher Vasquez has served as Chief of the Eloy Police Department since 2017 and has also served as Interim Chief of Police of the Casa Grande and Kearny Police Departments. He is responsible for the organization and direction of more than 50 police department employees and volunteer staff, committed to serving the community of Eloy.
Coconino County Detention Services Commander Matthew Figueroa received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Arizona University. He joined the sheriff’s office as a detention officer in 1996. In 2012 he completed a 40 hour National Jail Leadership Command Academy for jail commanders at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. In his current role, he provides administrative leadership, supervision, training and direction, and assignment of duties of Detention personnel and supervisors in the daily operations of a 596-bed facility.
Kevin Robinson has over 35 years of law enforcement experience. He is an instructor and lecturer for the Arizona State University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. He teaches classes including Race Ethnicity and Criminal Justice, Advanced Criminology Theory, and Police Organization and Management. He was a member of the Phoenix Police Department from 1980 to 2017, where he rose to the rank of Assistant Police Chief. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University.
