PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT

About Acting Phoenix Police Chief Dennis Orender

Acting Police Chief Dennis Orender is a nearly 30 year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department. During his career, he has held assignments at various ranks in the Maryvale Precinct, South Mountain Precinct, Central City Precinct, Downtown Operations Unit, Mountain View Precinct, Desert Horizon Precinct, Community Engagement Bureau, Communications Bureau, Professional Standards Bureau, and the Training Bureau. He also served with the Hamilton, Ohio Police Department, working in both the Patrol Division and the Drug Enforcement Bureau. 

During his career, Acting Chief Orender has had the privilege of working in diverse communities, with a devotion to understanding the unique needs of each community. He is committed to fostering trust with the community through accountability and transparency, inclusivity, and community-based policing efforts. 

In 2017, he was promoted to Commander and held assignments in the Communications Bureau, Central City Precinct/Downtown Operations Unit, Professional Standards Bureau, and the Training Bureau. In 2024, he was selected for the role of Executive Assistant Chief leading the Administration, Accountability & Transparency Section. 

Assistant Chief Orender was born and raised in Franklin, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wayland Baptist University and is a graduate of the AZPOST Arizona Leadership Program (ALP) and Valley Leadership Class 37. Prior to becoming a police officer, Acting Chief Orender served four years in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Sergeant during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He has been the recipient of numerous military and Department commendations and awards, including the Department's Lifesaving Medal.