~Police Chief Jerry Geier~
City of Goodyear
Editing Note: It's truly an honor for me to feature Goodyear's Police Chief, Jerry Geier.
Back in 2008, a handful of Goodyear residents helped the City of Goodyear win the All-America City award at the annual competition in Tampa, Florida. The process was so motivating and positive, that a few friends gathered together to start up what eventually became the non-profit Arizona in ACTION. Of all the work we did at Arizona in ACTION, my favorite program was our Lids on Arizona Kids® educational effort to encourage helmet use among children and teens. In 2012, as Goodyear's new police chief, Geier was incredibly helpful in supporting the program. Actually, both Goodyear Police and Fire departments were tremendously helpful in taking part in our non-profit's role in making helmet use "cool" for kids and a priority for parents. Chief Geier's traffic officers helped us by rewarding children who wore helmets to school with positive high-fives and charms. Today, the program continues to grow under the the supervision of the PIO in the police department, Lisa Kutis. In those short few years, our city grew quickly. In fact, Goodyear, Arizona is ranked as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. The need for more resources became apparent to me the first time I helped "flip dirt" with city council to break ground for the much-needed 911 Center in 2013. The need is here. The need is now. And I believe it's critically important for us to support our police and fire leaders. Police Chief Geier stands out. He makes the extra effort to connect with citizens through the "Coffee with a Cop" program. He's started up an award-winning and innovative police substation program in our local schools. And having had the opportunity to work with him as a resident - and as a mom - I feel fortunate to have him as our chief in Goodyear. A special "THANK YOU" to Chief Geier for taking the time to answer a few questions... |

Q. How did you get into law enforcement?
A. Law enforcement was a passion of mine since high school and I knew from an early age I wanted to work in that field. After graduating from college, I became a Deputy Sheriff at a large police agency in Florida, progressed through the ranks and spent over 20 years working in that agency in a variety of different units and assignments.
Since that time, my career progression has taken me to six different police agencies where I have had the pleasure to serve as Chief in the last three. My childhood passion has spanned over 31 years in law enforcement.
Q. Please tell me about your move to Goodyear.
A. After retiring from Florida, we relocated to Yuma, AZ, when I was hired as their Police Chief. Although Yuma was an outstanding community, I found I was taking my family to spend many weekends in the Phoenix area and specifically the West Valley, where the community was more family friendly, had better shopping and attractions, etc. Also, since my wife and I have a 6 year old daughter and a 4 year old son, having opportunities for children and great schools were important to our family. When the Police Chief's position was advertised in Goodyear, it was exactly the kind of community I was seeking for my family. I was very fortunate to be selected for the position and started in January 2012.
Q. What do you feel have been your biggest accomplishments thus far in Goodyear?
A. Some of the greatest accomplishments I feel the Goodyear Police Department has attained during the past three years:
Created “Coffee with a Cop” program
Implemented McGruff/Safety Days at schools
Implemented Prescription Drug Drop Box Program
Support/Implementation of Lids on Kids Program
A. Law enforcement was a passion of mine since high school and I knew from an early age I wanted to work in that field. After graduating from college, I became a Deputy Sheriff at a large police agency in Florida, progressed through the ranks and spent over 20 years working in that agency in a variety of different units and assignments.
Since that time, my career progression has taken me to six different police agencies where I have had the pleasure to serve as Chief in the last three. My childhood passion has spanned over 31 years in law enforcement.
Q. Please tell me about your move to Goodyear.
A. After retiring from Florida, we relocated to Yuma, AZ, when I was hired as their Police Chief. Although Yuma was an outstanding community, I found I was taking my family to spend many weekends in the Phoenix area and specifically the West Valley, where the community was more family friendly, had better shopping and attractions, etc. Also, since my wife and I have a 6 year old daughter and a 4 year old son, having opportunities for children and great schools were important to our family. When the Police Chief's position was advertised in Goodyear, it was exactly the kind of community I was seeking for my family. I was very fortunate to be selected for the position and started in January 2012.
Q. What do you feel have been your biggest accomplishments thus far in Goodyear?
A. Some of the greatest accomplishments I feel the Goodyear Police Department has attained during the past three years:
- Increased quality and quantity of information to the public by hiring a PIO, greater use of the City’s website, marketing strategies, and social media.
- Reviewed, updated, and created (as necessary) the Department’s Policy and Procedure Manual.
- Created, enhanced, and streamlined the hiring and recruitment processes through the hiring, recruitment, and selection units.
- Established meaningful performance measures that evaluate response times as well as operational efficiencies, including compliance with procedures as well as feedback on service delivery.
- Enhanced Community Services Unit and offerings through:
Created “Coffee with a Cop” program
Implemented McGruff/Safety Days at schools
Implemented Prescription Drug Drop Box Program
Support/Implementation of Lids on Kids Program

- Enhanced Traffic Unit through
Additional Speed Trailer
Aggressive participation in DUI Task Forces
Five new Victory Motorcycles
- Created a School Substation Program (which became a national model and has been featured in national publications).
- Gained approval for new Property and Evidence Warehouse which will open in December 2014 and a Police Operations Buildings which will open in December 2016.
- Implemented Black and White color scheme on patrol vehicles.
- Implementation of RAIDS online Crime Mapping program for citizens.
- Issued the first PD Annual Report in 9 years.
- Created Police Assistant program (using civilian employees to handle low priority police reports and process crime scenes which enables sworn police officers to quicker handle emergency calls).
- Enhanced the K9 Unit to include a K9 Sergeant and an additional K-9.
- Mandated increased training for supervisors and police officers, particularly in high liability areas.
- Instituted Intelligence-Based Policing programs.
- The Goodyear Police Department has won national awards for our VIPS (Volunteers in Policing Service program) and our School Substation program.
Q. In October, Goodyear saw a rash of break-ins and thefts. Many residents took to social media to encourage each other to register with an app which connects neighbors. What is your feeling about such apps and how do they compare with the tried and true Block Watches?
A. Social media, apps and online programs such as Raids On-line are great tools for residents to connect and be aware of crime trends in their neighborhoods. These types of tools are important for reaching people in today’s busy society. In general, due to the busy nature of our lifestyles, people like to go to social media and apps rather than show up at meetings in person. Easy access and busy lifestyles have contributed to the success of these tools. Although these tools are successful and meet the needs of many people, the traditional block watch concept is also successful and important. Nothing replaces getting out and meeting your neighbors in person. All of these tools combined lead to familiarity with neighbors, knowledge about your neighborhood and resources for everyone’s use. A combination of both the apps, neighborhood chat rooms, Face Book pages for communities, and Neighborhood Watch/Block Watch groups are the better way to go.
A. Social media, apps and online programs such as Raids On-line are great tools for residents to connect and be aware of crime trends in their neighborhoods. These types of tools are important for reaching people in today’s busy society. In general, due to the busy nature of our lifestyles, people like to go to social media and apps rather than show up at meetings in person. Easy access and busy lifestyles have contributed to the success of these tools. Although these tools are successful and meet the needs of many people, the traditional block watch concept is also successful and important. Nothing replaces getting out and meeting your neighbors in person. All of these tools combined lead to familiarity with neighbors, knowledge about your neighborhood and resources for everyone’s use. A combination of both the apps, neighborhood chat rooms, Face Book pages for communities, and Neighborhood Watch/Block Watch groups are the better way to go.
Social media, apps and online programs such as Raids On-line are great tools for residents to connect and be aware of crime trends in their neighborhoods. These types of tools are important for reaching people in today’s busy society. In general, due to the busy nature of our lifestyles, people like to go to social media and apps rather than show up at meetings in person. ~Chief Jerry Geier, City of Goodyear Police Department

Q. Are Block Watches fairly active in Goodyear? Have you seen a rise or decline in participation?
A. Yes, Block Watches have been very good from what I’ve seen. The groups we work hand-in-hand with seem to do very well. They continue to meet regularly whether it is in monthly meetings or BBQ lunches, etc. within their groups. They are very self sufficient as well and keep in contact with the Community Services Unit, but do not necessarily need officers for every issue or event. I’d say I’ve seen a rise in the number of block watches as well as interest in them over the last several months.
Q. What are the top three things residents can do to keep their homes and valuables safe?
A. There are a vast number of things that residents can do to keep their homes and valuables safe but if I had to narrow it down to the top three, I’d say:
A. Yes, Block Watches have been very good from what I’ve seen. The groups we work hand-in-hand with seem to do very well. They continue to meet regularly whether it is in monthly meetings or BBQ lunches, etc. within their groups. They are very self sufficient as well and keep in contact with the Community Services Unit, but do not necessarily need officers for every issue or event. I’d say I’ve seen a rise in the number of block watches as well as interest in them over the last several months.
Q. What are the top three things residents can do to keep their homes and valuables safe?
A. There are a vast number of things that residents can do to keep their homes and valuables safe but if I had to narrow it down to the top three, I’d say:
- Keep your home looking like it’s lived in. (Well lit, clean landscaping, etc. and visible address on the home. When on vacation, have someone checking on the house – collecting newspaper, mail, etc.
- Doors: Keep all doors including garage and vehicles locked (regardless of home or not) Doors should be solid, have a tight fit and include peephole. Know your visitors: confirm the identity of all visitors prior to opening the door, in addition, ask for ID from ALL service employees.
- Alarms: Use your system correctly, learn it and have it monitored by a reputable company. Camera surveillance is a GREAT addition to a security system.
Q. The new 911 center is very impressive. I think we're very fortunate to have such a facility in our town. Has the new center and technology made a noticeable difference in the work our police do? Did you use the large conference area when the floods hit?
A. Yes, the new facility has already made a huge positive impact on our operations. The additional dispatcher workstations have already been utilized during several operations and incidents. Also during two of the recent major storms, not only did the conference room and Emergency Operations Center (that large room adjacent to the room the dispatchers work in) get utilized, but all of the backup electrical power systems came into play when the power was out in that are for several hours.
The facility has had a huge positive impact on our ability to provide 911 and critical communications needs for the city, and we are very thankful to work in it every day.
Q. Any final thoughts or words of advice??
A. Over the past three years that I have been the Chief of Police in Goodyear, the department has accomplished many of the goals I set for them. It was my goal to move the department forward in a positive direction, improving accountability, professionalism and integrity. It is my belief that the Goodyear Police Department has grown in all of these areas and is a model police agency for not only our community but throughout the State of Arizona. I am very proud of the growth and accomplishments made by the men and women of the Goodyear Police Department. As we continue to move forward, community policing will continue to play a major role in the safety of residents and visitors to Goodyear, which has always been a top priority.
A. Yes, the new facility has already made a huge positive impact on our operations. The additional dispatcher workstations have already been utilized during several operations and incidents. Also during two of the recent major storms, not only did the conference room and Emergency Operations Center (that large room adjacent to the room the dispatchers work in) get utilized, but all of the backup electrical power systems came into play when the power was out in that are for several hours.
The facility has had a huge positive impact on our ability to provide 911 and critical communications needs for the city, and we are very thankful to work in it every day.
Q. Any final thoughts or words of advice??
A. Over the past three years that I have been the Chief of Police in Goodyear, the department has accomplished many of the goals I set for them. It was my goal to move the department forward in a positive direction, improving accountability, professionalism and integrity. It is my belief that the Goodyear Police Department has grown in all of these areas and is a model police agency for not only our community but throughout the State of Arizona. I am very proud of the growth and accomplishments made by the men and women of the Goodyear Police Department. As we continue to move forward, community policing will continue to play a major role in the safety of residents and visitors to Goodyear, which has always been a top priority.
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