Issued April 29, 2025
"I am deeply disturbed by the allegations of misconduct within our Park Rangers Unit. The behavior described in the investigationpossession of a stolen firearm, use of racial slurs, and mistreatment of vulnerable individualsviolates our Citys core values and the trust our residents place in us.
"This conduct will not be tolerated. Every City employee is expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
"I can assure our residents that we are taking prompt action, including:
--Initiating termination proceedings against a Park Ranger, who later resigned;
--Placing several Park Rangers on administrative leave;
--Launching an external, independent investigation; and
--Transferring oversight of the Park Rangers Unit to the Mesa Police Department.
"Earning and keeping the trust of our community is one of our most important responsibilities. When that trust is broken, it is our duty and commitment to work hard to rebuild it.
"The actions of a few individuals do not reflect the values of our City or the commitment of the many hardworking public servants who serve Mesa with integrity every day. But one case of misconduct is one too many. We owe it to our residents to take a hard look at our systems, strengthen our training, and recommit to our principles of accountability and professionalism.
"Im confident that by holding people accountable, being transparent, and staying true to our core values, Mesa will come through this stronger, more united, and more resilient."