The chief of the Tohono O’odham Police Department is retiring from the force after holding the position for 4 1/2 years.
Chief Richard Saunders is stepping down to pursue new job opportunities and the Tohono O’odham Nation is currently conducting a search for a new chief, the department said Friday in a news release.
Before being chief, Saunders held the position of assistant chief for three years. He was the first tribal member to attend the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the release states.
During his tenure, the police department tripled in size and several new substations were built.
He also took part in the creation of many new units, such as the anti-violence unit, the financial crimes unit and the vehicular offenses unit.
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