Mesa Begins Search for New Police Chief

MESA - They've named their interim police chief, veteran commander Vicki Myers . But Mesa officials are still beginning the extensive search for George Gascon's permanent replacement.

Mesa leaders will now begin the long process of finding a replacement for a chief that has reshaped the department and stirred up some controversy, that controversy centering on the department's immigration enforcement.

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith says crime is down, and the police department is looking stronger than ever. But the immigration issue will definitely play a part in the search process.

"This is not the immigration that I had when I was a kid. You didn't have cartels and organized crime and human trafficking like you have now," says Smith.

Mayor Smith promises that the new chief will have to address immigration enforcement before he or she can get the job. "We going to go after those criminals and the chief of police will need to commit to go after those criminals."

Mesa PD has an immigration policy that was created after a number of high profile run-ins between Chief George Gascon and Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

As it stands now, officers can ask about someone's immigration status only at certain times -- like after someone has been booked into jail. The mayor says the policy, which the Chief helped found, works.

"We are certainly not expecting to have a clone of George Gascon, or someone who is completely different. Understand that we have a good foundation to work from and that our number one goal is to keep the citizens of Mesa safe," says Smith.

Fabian Cota runs the Mesa Police Association. He says officers want a chief that understands immigration enforcement.

"[It's important we] just not blindly enforce immigration and expect that it is going to be enforced without the proper training, without the proper resources. All those things that need to be in place to protect the city and our officers," says Cota.

Chief George Gascon's last day will be July 24. He's leaving to become the Chief of Police in San Francisco . The new chief won't be chosen for at least a month. Three of Mesa's deputy chiefs are said to be top contenders.