City’s Inaugural Police Chief Aims for Top Spot in Pinal Following Three Resignations

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office candidate Patrick Melvin recently shared insights into his long-standing aspiration to enter law enforcement. The 59-year-old Democratic candidate, who resides in Cobblestone Farms, expressed, “This is going to sound kind of funny, but I was a cop kid. I always wanted to be a cop.” His childhood inclinations and a passion for service have defined his nearly four-decade-long career.

Melvin’s trajectory began as a rookie officer in the Phoenix Police Department in 1985 and later transitioned to becoming the first police chief of the newly established Maricopa Police Department in 2006. Reflecting on this experience, he mentioned the challenges of building a department from scratch, highlighting, “Our first police station was a giant manufactured building… we had to develop everything.” After five impactful years leading the MPD and serving as public safety director, he earned recognition as “Maricopa Man of the Year” in 2008 and took on the presidency of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives in 2010.

Now, Melvin is pursuing a significant position as the Pinal County sheriff. He believes his experience can elevate the professionalism of law enforcement in the region. “I feel I still have a lot to give to the community,” he stated, as he prepared to face Republican candidate Ross Teeple in the November 5 general election.

However, Melvin’s past is not without its controversies. During his tenure in Port Arthur, Texas, he faced scrutiny over strained relationships with city officials and allegations regarding his leadership during Hurricane Harvey. Records from the Port Arthur Police Association concerning his performance have not been disclosed, while inquiries into his tenure in Maricopa yielded minimal documentation, as all records had been destroyed according to city officials.

In 2016, Melvin’s term at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Police Department ended under contentious circumstances, with reports suggesting that he was placed on administrative leave followed by his resignation due to his ambition for positions in larger cities. “I became a finalist for the Phoenix Police Department’s police chief position,” he admitted, acknowledging that this was viewed as a lack of loyalty by his colleagues.

Despite a turbulent reputation stemming from his time in Port Arthur, where he implemented significant changes that led to disagreements within the department, Melvin remains optimistic. Former Port Arthur City Manager Brian McDougal emphasized Melvin’s qualifications, stating, “He has his education and experience. You know, anybody can be a police officer, but only good officers define the badge. He’s one of those.” Melvin himself believes that past challenges have fortified his resolve to lead effectively. “I feel those experiences have made me stronger,” he asserted, as he looks towards the future of law enforcement in Pinal County.