Show Low welcomes Chief Westover, who vows community-focused policing and tech use

Mayor John Leach Jr. introduced Chief Westover as Show Low’s new police chief during a Mayor Minute broadcast and said the chief has been on the job for a few months. Chief Westover thanked the mayor and said he was "humbled and grateful" to serve in Show Low.

Westover, who identified himself as a "small town boy" from Joseph City and said he attended Arizona State University, told listeners he spent roughly 20 years with Big Valley Agency. He said his work there included detective assignments focused on domestic violence and robbery, several years on a task force addressing home invasions and kidnappings, about seven years in an undercover capacity and later work in a counterterrorism center.

Asked about his priorities for the department, Chief Westover said he wants to "change our posture just a hair from policing the community to policing with the community." He pointed to a recent "coffee with a cop" event that drew strong turnout and said the department plans more outreach. "We hope to use technology as a force multiplier," Westover added, saying he has received support from the council and city staff for technology investments intended to improve safety and quality of life.

Mayor John Leach Jr. praised the chief’s leadership and thanked him for taking the role. The Mayor Minute segment closed with Leach offering congratulations and well wishes to Westover as he continues in the position.