Chief Brian Avila

Safford Police Department – Chief of Police

Chief Brian Avila brings more than 24 years of law enforcement service to the Safford Police Department, where he has served for over 19 years and was appointed Chief of Police in 2023—becoming the first Latino to hold the position in the Department’s history. He began his career with the Clifton Police Department, serving nearly six years before joining Safford PD. Throughout his tenure, Chief Avila has held roles including Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Police Captain, Special Response Team member, Field Training Officer, and Honor Guard member.

He holds an Associate Degree in Administration of Justice from Eastern Arizona College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bellevue University. He is also a graduate of the Arizona Leadership Program and the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy program.
Active in his community, Chief Avila continues to serve as a certified sports official with the Arizona Interscholastic Association for over 26 years. He has three children and one granddaughter.