Gila River Indian Community Selects Michael Angstead as Chief of Police for the Gila River Police Department

PRESS RELEASE

Gila River Police Department

The Gila River Police Department is pleased to announce the selection of Michael Angstead as its new Chief of Police. Following a comprehensive and highly competitive selection process, Chief Angstead was chosen for his proven leadership, extensive law enforcement experience, commitment to community engagement and vision for advancing public safety within the Gila River Indian Community.

The selection process included multiple phases of evaluation and assessment, as well as several community and employee meet-and-greet events. Employees of the Gila River Police Department, Community residents, and Community Elders were provided the opportunity to meet the finalists, ask questions, and share valuable feedback regarding the selection of the department’s next Chief of Police.

This collaborative process ensured that the voices of those who work within and are served by the department were considered as part of this important leadership decision.

Chief Angstead brings more than 28 years of law enforcement experience, including six years as Assistant Chief with the Gilbert Police Department, where he oversaw the Criminal Investigations Bureau.

Throughout his distinguished career, he has led major organizational initiatives focused on public safety, officer development, operational excellence, technology modernization, and community partnerships.

His leadership experience includes overseeing critical projects such as police accreditation efforts, the development of a regional training academy, implementation of advanced public safety technologies, the creation of specialized enforcement units, and the expansion of victim advocacy services. His background reflects a commitment to innovation, accountability, and building organizations capable of meeting the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

Prior to joining the Gilbert Police Department, Chief Angstead served as a Juvenile Probation Officer with the Pinal County Superior Court and as a Corrections Officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Park University. He has also completed the Arizona Police Staff and Command Program and the Senior Management Institute for Police.

An Arizona native, Chief Angstead was born in Phoenix and has spent his entire life in Arizona. He and his wife, Lisa, attended high school and Arizona State University together. Lisa dedicated many years to educating young students as a kindergarten teacher and currently serves within the Chandler Unified School District. Their son, Tom, serves as a police officer with the Mesa Police Department, while their son, Joe, works as a heavy equipment operator for Maricopa County.

As the Gila River Indian Community continues to invest in public safety, strengthen community partnerships, and support the professional growth of its police department, Chief Angstead’s leadership will play an important role in shaping the future of the organization.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to join the Gila River Police Department as its next Chief of Police,” said Chief Angstead. “Serving the Gila River Indian Community means more than enforcing laws - it means protecting Tribal sovereignty, honoring the Community’s culture and traditions, safeguarding its lands and resources, and building relationships founded on trust. I have already seen the strength, pride, and resilience of the Community, and I know that together, we can continue creating a place where every member feels safe, secure, and protected. I look forward to strengthening public trust and building a department that reflects the values of the Community for generations to come.”

Acting Chief William Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for the department’s future and the leadership transition.

“We are excited to welcome Chief Angstead and his family to the Gila River Police Department and the Gila River Indian Community,” said Acting Chief William Lewis. “The members of this department are committed to helping Chief Angstead be as successful as possible as he assumes leadership in our agency. We are ready to support his vision, work alongside him to continue strengthening our relationship with the Community, and help move the Gila River Police Department to the next level in tribal policing. This department has a strong foundation, and we are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead under Chief Angstead’s leadership.”

The Gila River Police Department and the Gila River Indian Community extends a warm welcome to Chief Angstead and his family and looks forward to the leadership, collaboration and continued progress that lies ahead.