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5 Major Updates On The El Mirage Police Department: Grants, New Leadership, And Future Plans For 2026

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As of December 19, 2025, the El Mirage Police Department (EMPD) is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by substantial state funding and a clear focus on traffic safety and community engagement. The department, which serves the growing community of El Mirage, Arizona, has successfully secured multiple competitive grants for the current and upcoming fiscal years, signaling a proactive stance on addressing key public safety issues like impaired driving.

The EMPD’s commitment to a safe and secure community is evident in its strategic planning, which includes major state partnerships and a long-term vision for new infrastructure. From aggressive DUI enforcement programs to a dedication to Community Policing, the department is actively shaping the future of law enforcement in Maricopa County, Arizona, ensuring its services are first-class and responsive to citizen needs.

El Mirage Police Department: Leadership and Biography Profile

The strategic direction and operational philosophy of the El Mirage Police Department are anchored by its current leadership, which emphasizes community partnership and proactive enforcement.

  • Department Name: El Mirage Police Department (EMPD)
  • Location: El Mirage, Maricopa County, Arizona
  • Mission Focus: To provide first-class police service and a safe, secure community.
  • Core Philosophy: Community Policing is considered the cornerstone of police work, fostering positive relationships with citizens.
  • Current Police Chief: Paul Marzocca
  • Chief's Appointment Date: Affirmed by the El Mirage City Council on April 17, 2018.
  • Key Initiatives: Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), impaired driving enforcement, community outreach, and recruitment.
  • Future Plans: Development of a new police facility.

The EMPD’s Strategic Traffic Enforcement and Grant Funding Wins (FY2025-2026)

One of the most significant and current developments for the El Mirage Police Department is the influx of state grant funding, which is directly tied to enhancing highway safety and reducing traffic-related incidents. This funding is critical for boosting enforcement efforts without placing a burden on local taxpayer budgets.

$47,500 Grant for Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP)

The EMPD was a major recipient of funding from the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.

This grant, totaling $47,500, is specifically earmarked for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The primary goal of the STEP funding is to enable police officers to more aggressively pursue impaired drivers, a critical public safety concern.

The funds are crucial for covering Personnel Services (Overtime), allowing the department to deploy additional officers during peak hours or known high-incident times for DUI enforcement and other traffic violations.

Two GOHS Grants Secured for FY2025/2026

Looking ahead, the El Mirage Police Department has already secured two additional grants through the GOHS 402 Funding program for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025/2026.

While the specific dollar amounts and detailed projects for these two grants are still being finalized, GOHS 402 funding is traditionally focused on broad highway safety and traffic enforcement programs. This continuous success in securing state funding underscores the EMPD's commitment to proactive, data-driven policing and its strong partnership with state-level safety offices.

These grants ensure that the department can continue its high-visibility enforcement efforts, including sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols, well into the future, making the city’s roadways safer for residents and visitors alike.

Community Policing and Multi-Agency Collaboration

Under the leadership of Chief Paul Marzocca, the EMPD operates on the principle that Community Policing is the foundation of effective law enforcement. This philosophy fosters a collaborative environment where officers work closely with citizens to identify and solve neighborhood problems.

The department actively engages in community outreach, often issuing safety and legal reminders to the public, such as warnings against discharging firearms into the air during celebrations—a common public safety concern.

Regional Enforcement Mobilization

In a display of inter-agency cooperation, the El Mirage Police Department has been actively participating in a regional enforcement mobilization alongside other West Valley agencies, including the Surprise, Glendale, and Goodyear Police Departments.

This joint effort, which ran from early 2024 through mid-year, is designed to maximize the impact of traffic enforcement and public safety operations across Maricopa County. Such collaborations are vital for addressing criminal activity that crosses municipal boundaries and for sharing resources and intelligence.

Future-Focused Initiatives: Recruitment and New Facilities

The El Mirage Police Department is not only focused on current enforcement but also on building a strong foundation for the future of the city's public safety infrastructure and personnel.

Recruiting the Next Generation of Police Officers

The department is actively seeking to expand its ranks and is currently recruiting for both Lateral and Recruit Police Officer positions. This recruitment drive is a key component of the department's strategy to meet the demands of a growing community and maintain its high standard of service.

The recruitment efforts target both experienced officers looking to relocate or change departments (Lateral) and individuals ready to begin their law enforcement career (Recruit). This focus on staffing ensures a robust presence and quick response times for the citizens of El Mirage.

Plans for a New Police Facility

Long-term planning includes significant capital improvements to support the department's growth. The City of El Mirage has designated funds for the development of a new police facility.

This infrastructure investment is crucial for modernizing police operations, providing better training facilities, and ensuring that the department has the necessary resources to serve the community effectively for decades to come. The new facility is a testament to the city's commitment to public safety and its police department.

5 Major Updates on the El Mirage Police Department: Grants, New Leadership, and Future Plans for 2026
el mirage police dept
el mirage police dept

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