Deputy Chief Monica Prieto’s selection by City Manager Timothy Thomure as the next chief of police follows the news of Chief Chad Kasmar’s decision to retire after more than 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Tucson. Chief Kasmar’s career with the Tucson Police Department has been defined by his deep commitment to this community and to the people who serve it every day.
“I want to thank Chief Kasmar for his service and leadership,” said City Manager Timothy Thomure. “He has provided inspiration, steady service, and a strong foundation for the department. I appreciate his commitment to our community and wish him and his family all the best as he begins this next chapter.”
Chief Kasmar has served as the Chief of the Tucson Police Department during pivotal times. He worked with the entire public safety team to Put the Right Work in the Right Hands. During his tenure, Community Based Violence Prevention and Intervention efforts expanded, as did providing mental health support to Tucson police officers.
“The impact of Chief Kasmar’s work will be felt for a long time. He worked with me and my colleagues on the Council to innovate and change the way we deliver safety to our residents," said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. "As he retires, I wish him and his family the best. His work with professionalizing our force, helping to shape the Safe City Initiative, and expanding our Community Service Officer program will help bring more Tucsonans into public safety service and make a difference for us all.”
With Chief Kasmar’s retirement, City Manager Thomure announces his selection of Deputy Chief (DC) Monica Prieto, a Tucson native and 26-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department, to lead the department.
“As we move forward, DC Prieto is exceptionally well prepared to step into this role, with a deep understanding of our organization and a clear focus on results. Naming DC Prieto as our next chief ensures a smooth transition that reflects our commitment to stability for the department and the success of our Safe City initiative,” said Thomure.
DC Prieto brings decades of experience across patrol, investigations, professional standards, and executive leadership. She most recently served as Deputy Chief, the department’s second-in-command, where she oversaw all police operations and administrative functions across five bureaus.
“As a native Tucsonan who rose through the ranks of the Tucson Police Department, Monica Prieto represents the very best of public service,” said Mayor Regina Romero. “Her experience, steady leadership, and commitment to transparency and community -centered policing make her the right leader for this moment. I am grateful for her dedication to our City and am excited to work alongside her as we continue building a safer city for everyone.”
“Chief Kasmar led the department through some of its most challenging periods with steady leadership, integrity, and compassion,” said TPOA President Sgt. Darrell Hussman. “He consistently advocated for officers, safeguarded the department during difficult economic times, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to officer wellness. Throughout his tenure, Chief Kasmar also prioritized preparing the next generation of leadership by thoughtfully developing a strong succession plan. TPOA is grateful for his years of service and wishes him the very best in his retirement. TPOA also met with the City Manager and was informed that Monica Prieto will be the next Chief of Police. The organization appreciates the decision to promote from within the department and has complete confidence in Chief Prieto’s leadership. TPOA stands ready to support her during this transition.”
A graduate of the Sunnyside School District, DC Prieto attended Desert View High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management. She joined the Tucson Police Department in 1999 and has served in a wide range of assignments, including Patrol Services, the Community Response Team, the Street Narcotics Unit, Internal Affairs, and the Central Investigations Division.
As Deputy Chief, Prieto oversaw the Executive Office Bureau, which includes the Office of Professional Standards, the Public Information Office, and the Wellness Division. She has also commanded the Investigative Services Bureau and managed major criminal investigations and critical incidents.
DC Prieto has completed executive education with the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command. Her leadership has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Arizona Women’s Initiative Network Women to Watch Legacy Award and the Medal of Distinguished Service.
“I am honored to serve as Tucson’s next Police Chief,” Prieto said. “This department and this community have shaped who I am, both professionally and personally. My focus will be on strengthening public trust and supporting the dedicated men and women of this department working to keep Tucson safe.”
Prieto will begin her role as chief on February 13, 2026.
