On a July morning in 1991, Joseph R. LeDuc began his career at the Phoenix Regional Police Academy. Now, after 35 years, he serves as Police Chief of Scottsdale, leading one of Arizona’s largest municipal police departments.
“I remember standing on the parade deck of the Phoenix Regional Police Academy on a hot July morning in 1991, excited about what was ahead. It still feels like yesterday,” LeDuc said. “I continue to enjoy serving the most amazing men and women in law enforcement and the best community in the nation. We have something special here.”
LeDuc attributes much of Scottsdale’s distinctiveness to its people and leadership culture within the police department. He started as a police officer in 1991 and has since worked across many areas including patrol, investigations, homicide, special victims, internal affairs, special investigations, district command and executive leadership.
This broad experience reflects Scottsdale’s approach to developing leaders internally and preparing employees for advancement before it is needed. LeDuc’s appointment as chief followed a formal succession plan established by former Chief Jeff Walther, who later became assistant city manager.
“Succession planning is about much more than filling a position,” LeDuc said. “It is about preparing people to lead, building trust across the organization and making sure the culture continues.”
Policing has changed significantly during LeDuc’s tenure due to advances in technology, new investigative tools and evolving community expectations. He believes adaptability is now essential for effective leadership.
“It is critical to have a strategic mindset and to embrace the speed of technology and change,” he said. “If you want to remain effective and relevant in this profession, you must commit to being a lifelong learner.”
Under his leadership, Scottsdale continues to report strong public safety outcomes. In 2025, it ranked among the top five percent safest cities nationwide for communities with populations over 100,000—a distinction also reflected by Forbes’ listing of Scottsdale among America’s top 15 safest large cities (official recognition page). The department reported double-digit reductions in major crime rates while maintaining a 100 percent homicide clearance rate over five years.
Scottsdale itself has grown steadily over recent decades; by 2000 its population exceeded 202,000 residents spread across approximately 185 square miles (official history page). Today it covers roughly 184 square miles with nearly 250,000 residents served by more than 700 police employees under LeDuc’s direction.
The city operates under a council-manager government structure where legislative authority rests with an elected council (official website). Its character blends Western heritage—reflected in its nickname ‘The West’s Most Western Town’—with cultural activities that have attracted artists and health seekers throughout its history (official history page).
LeDuc emphasizes employee development, community engagement and innovation as key elements of his leadership philosophy. In recognition of these efforts, he received the City of Scottsdale’s Herb Drinkwater Award in 2025 for demonstrating fearless leadership and integrity.
“I am proud of the people I get to work with and the community we serve,” he said. “We have something special here, and I want to make sure we protect it and continue to move the city in the right direction.”
