Dan Butler

Police Chief Dan Butler is an accomplished law enforcement leader who began his career of distinguished service with the Mesa Police Department in 2000. He has served in most areas of the department and in every rank leading up to his most recent appointment as Chief of Police.

As Executive Assistant Chief, Dan managed the daily operations of nearly 1,500 sworn and professional staff members, overseeing a wide range of divisions integral to the safety and well-being of the Mesa community.

Throughout his career, Dan has demonstrated exceptional leadership, notably heading the Patrol Operations Bureau, the department’s largest, where he was responsible for overseeing the Central, Fiesta, Red Mountain, and Superstition Patrol Divisions, as well as Mesa Gateway Airport operations. As Assistant Chief, he expanded his leadership role to encompass divisions such as Human Resources, Wellness, Financial Services, Communications, Basic and Advanced Training, and more, ensuring the operational excellence and well-being of the department and its officers.

Dan has also played a key role in managing over $100 million in three major capital improvement projects, enhancing the department’s infrastructure and public safety capabilities. His strategic leadership ensured these initiatives were completed on time, within budget, and with lasting value for the community.

A highly educated professional, Dan holds a Master of Administration degree from Northern Arizona University, with a focus on leadership. In addition, he has completed several prestigious law enforcement leadership programs, including the FBI’s National Executive Institute (NEI), the Major Cities Chiefs Association’s Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI), the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), and Northwestern University’s School of Command and Management.

Chief Butler currently serves as the Western Region Representative on the Board of the Major Cities Chief’s Association (MCCA), a professional organization that represents the largest cities in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, he is a committee member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, representing law enforcement on the national stage.

With his extensive experience, dedication to operational excellence, and commitment to community safety, Chief Butler is poised to continue driving positive change and reinforcing the Mesa Police Department’s mission of policing excellence.