John Meza

Director of Student Affairs and District Safety

Tempe Union School District

John Meza is a proven reformer in police and community engagement strategies with over 30 years of police experience, and over eleven years as a police executive.  He recently retired as the Chief of Police of the Mesa Arizona Police Department the 38th largest municipality in the United States, and now serves as the Director of Student Affairs and Safety for the Tempe Union High School District. In addition, Chief Meza currently holds the position of President of the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network and the Co-Chair for the National Tactical Officers Association’s Officer Wellness Committee.   

From his early years as a gang detective conducting gang prevention, intervention, and enforcement projects to his recent retirement as the Chief of Police.  John Meza’s leadership was instrumental in the advancements of the Mesa Police Department’s community engagement efforts illustrated by the highly acclaimed “Mesa Police Department in the 21st Century, A Response to the President’s Task Force Report”.  Chief Meza received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s Degree in Human Relations/Counseling from Northern Arizona University.

In his current role as the Director of Student Affairs and District Safety, John plays a major role in the oversight of security for the 7 high schools in the Tempe Union High School District.  His past experience in public safety and willingness to learn from educators has enhanced school safety for the district in a time where school security is paramount in our country.   

Chief Meza’s dedicated service over the last 31 years has given him a deep understanding of the culture and diversity of the community’s needs.  Through his active involvement over the years, he is viewed as a committed leader who has a sincere desire for the well-being and safety of the community. He has molded his leadership approach to serve the public and deliver the best public safety service possible.