Fired Deputy Police Chief Ryan Kwitkin Takes Legal Action Against Sedona and Four Officials

Phoenix attorney Troy P. Foster has initiated a lawsuit on behalf of former Sedona Deputy Police Chief Ryan Kwitkin against multiple city officials, including Sedona’s former and current City Managers, the Police Chief, and the Human Resources Director. The suit arises from Kwitkin’s termination from his position on July 10, 2024, following a notice of claim filed on August 15. This procedural step allowed Kwitkin to pursue legal action due to the city’s failure to respond within the stipulated 60-day timeframe.

After the lawsuit was lodged, Sedona City Attorney Kurt Christianson acknowledged awareness of the case but declined further comment, emphasizing a lack of formal service. The lawsuit alleges systemic issues within the Sedona Police Department, including “corruption, nepotism, incompetence, fear, and retaliation,” echoing points from the initial notice of claim while introducing additional grievances. These include claims about an alleged hostile work environment and operational concerns regarding police volunteers and safety practices at the police station.

Notably, Kwitkin’s claims include unarmed volunteers transporting suspects and potential mismanagement of evidence—a serious implication yet lacking detailed evidence, as Foster’s filings provide no supporting documentation for these allegations.

Kwitkin is seeking a jury trial and demands back pay, reinstatement, as well as compensatory and punitive damages, citing violations of the Arizona Employment Protection Act and constitutional amendments. A trial date has yet to be established.

While Kwitkin asserts that his performance evaluations were satisfactory prior to his complaints, records indicate various training and behavioral issues during his probationary period, including difficulties with note-taking and following through on communications. Concerns about Kwitkin’s conduct within the department have been voiced by colleagues, including reports from dispatchers feeling overshadowed during interviews.

In October, Kwitkin’s performance review indicated a score of 3.5 out of 5, accompanying comments about a need for improvement in detail orientation. He subsequently agreed to extended probation terms and to participate in coaching sessions aimed at enhancing his professional skills.

Complications arose in March 2024 when Kwitkin and fellow officers filed a complaint against Police Chief Stephanie Foley, alleging a hostile work environment and inadequate training. An independent investigation, however, cleared Foley of the allegations, finding that many claims lack substantiation and could often be traced back to misunderstandings regarding departmental policies.

Further examination of Kwitkin’s conduct led to an internal investigation in May that substantiated severe claims against him, including unprofessional behavior and unauthorized use of departmental assets. Despite offering a hearing regarding his termination, Kwitkin did not attend—leading to his dismissal on July 10.

In his defense, Kwitkin has criticized the investigations and the conclusions drawn by the city, suggesting bias in the findings and maintaining that the summaries do not accurately reflect witness testimonies. He attributes his decision not to participate further in the investigations to advice from his legal counsel.