Former Maricopa police chief to run for council

Former Maricopa Police Chief Patrick Melvin said his background gives him an advantage in public service. Now, with his three kids off to college and out of the house, it’s the perfect time to give back to the community.

Melvin, the current chief of police for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Police Department, plans to run for the Maricopa city council next year.

“I just want the opportunity to provide my experience and background in public safety and public service so that we can enhance the quality of life in our community and the city of Maricopa,” Melvin said. “I just want that chance to be able to serve.”

Melvin was the first police chief for the Maricopa Police Department when the agency formed about seven years ago. He retired in fall 2011 and began working for Salt River shortly after.

Melvin said the decision to run came down to timing.

“My wife and I are empty nesters now,” he said.

He has received permission from his current employer to pursue a council seat, and said he believes he can balance his current job with the responsibilities of a council member.  

“I think I will be able to manage my time to be able to give the citizens of Maricopa the most that I can and yet maintain my professional employment,” Melvin said.

Turnover at city hall is one issue Melvin has his eye on. In the past year, Maricopa has lost employees in top staffing positions including city manager and two assistant city managers.

“I have a philosophy of hire there, retire there,” he said. “And I think that if employees were comfortable and secure in their employment, they will provide better services to the residents of Maricopa. So I want to make sure as much as I can, as an elected official, that the employees have all the resources they need and also the support of the council and the community so that they can perform better for us and give us the best services, which I’m sure they enjoy doing.”