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Tom Ryff is a 32-year veteran of law enforcement, and was appointed as chief of police for the Tempe Police Department on November 27, 2006. He leads a department of over 500 outstanding men and women who prevent crime, enforce the law, and provide excellent public safety services to the diverse community of residents, businesses and visitors in Tempe.

Chief Ryff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management, a Masters of Education - Leadership, and is a graduate of Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command.

His leadership experience includes assignments as Assistant Chief of Police over the Support Services Division; Commander of the Patrol Administration Bureau, Special Investigations Bureau, Criminal Investigations Bureau, and Traffic Bureau.

Chief Ryff is a nearly lifelong resident of Tempe.  He is an active member and/or supporter of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, Latino Peace Officers Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Arizona Black Law Enforcement Employees, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Project Challenge Board Member, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, East Valley Hispanic Business Alliance, and Los Vecinos Community Action Group.

Further demonstrating his commitment to diversity, he is a 2009 recipient of the League of United Latin American Citizens Community Service Award and the Human Relations Commission Diversity Award.  Chief Ryff has also been honored with the East Valley NAACP President’s Award.

For his 32 year career in law enforcement, commitment to community safety, and the innovation and advances he has contributed to Traffic Safety, Chief Ryff was chosen in 2011 as the premiere recipient of a new award from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety – the GOHS Traffic Safety Award.