Kenneth McCoy
Chief Kenneth McCoy is a highly accomplished law enforcement professional with an impressive leadership background spanning over 30 years. Currently serving as the Chief of Police for the Tempe Police Department, Chief McCoy is recognized for his expertise and dedication to public safety.
Chief McCoy's illustrious career began at the Anchorage Police Department (APD), where he served for 27 years and eventually retired as their Chief of Police in February 2022. Throughout his tenure, he prioritized fostering trust, accountability and transparency within the department while actively engaging officers in community-oriented policing.
At APD, Chief McCoy held various command assignments, including roles in the Patrol Division, Detective Division and Internal Affairs. Notably, he excelled as a detective, overseeing investigations into violent crimes and leading the Special Victims Unit, which handled sensitive sexual assault cases.
Beyond his contributions to law enforcement, Chief McCoy has demonstrated a commitment to public service. Prior to joining APD, he served in the Alaska Army National Guard for 10 years and achieved the rank of captain before receiving an honorable discharge. He earned his commission from the New Mexico Military Institute.
Following his retirement from APD, Chief McCoy assumed the role of North Division Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for Providence, where he championed culturally competent patient-centered care and advanced diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the Providence family of organizations.
Chief McCoy's educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Justice from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He has also completed prestigious certificate programs in Organizational Leadership from the Harvard Business School and Leading Diversity from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Furthermore, he is a distinguished graduate of both the FBI National Academy (session 265) and the FBI National Executive Institute (session 42).
Actively involved in professional associations, Chief McCoy is a member of the FBI National Executive Institute Associates (NEIA), the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).
Chief McCoy's exceptional contributions have earned him several accolades. In 2023, he was inducted into the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) Hall of Fame, and in 2022, he was recognized as a University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Alumni of Distinction.