Tucson's new police chief learning about issues facing department

Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus is making the rounds with community groups and going on patrols with officers to get a better understanding of the issues he’ll likely face as the city’s new top cop.

The official first day on the job for Magnus, the former police chief of Richmond, California, was Tuesday. It was stacked with meetings with command staff and personnel.

During his first news conference at downtown police headquarters, he described the department as having a “progressive and cutting-edge” reputation and said he wants to “build on its successes.”

Magnus said dealing with the department’s budget is one of his top priorities.

“Tucson is facing some real budget challenges,” and the reality of those challenges have to be studied in order to see how the department can provide “high-quality services,” he said.

TPD has about 900 sworn officers and 300 civilian personnel. The yearly budget is $168 million. The department is authorized for 992 commissioned officers. In an interview in November Magnus said in addition to budget challenges, the department faces personnel retention, ongoing retirements and the need for updated technology and other equipment.

Magnus said once he meets with department staff and the community to understand the department’s strengths, resources and challenges, he “will be in a stronger position to set priorities, establish goals and address needs.”

Magnus said he also has met with leaders in the business and faith communities; leaders from the Latino, African-American and Muslim communities; and nonprofit organizations.

“I want to get out and around and get to know my personnel and have opportunities to get to know Tucson,” said Magnus, explaining that he will continue riding with patrol officers and meeting with neighborhood associations.

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He also said he plans on learning Spanish. According to the 2013 U.S. Census, Tucson’s population is about 526,116. Hispanics make up 42 percent.

In a question about curbing violent crime, Magnus said there has to be “a strong partnership between police and the community, which must be open to that message,” in order to prevent and reduce crime. “We have to work together,” said the chief, adding that crime rates in Tucson are not bad.

He said Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reached out to him before he settled in Tucson, and he plans on meeting with Nanos to talk about issues of public saftey.

Magnus said he received a warm reception when he arrived in Tucson, and he and his husband, Terrance Cheung, were welcomed by their neighbors when they moved into a house in central Tucson.

Magnus will be paid $200,000 a year, and after one year will receive a raise. Also, as part of his benefits, the city will contribute $10,000 annually into a deferred compensation account, said City Attorney Mike Rankin previously.

Prior to Tucson, Magnus was chief of the Richmond Police Department where he began working in 2006. The city near San Francisco has a population of about 108,000 and a police force about a third the size of Tucson’s.

In November, Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and the City Council voted unanimously to appoint Magnus as chief.

Magnus, who was the preferred candidate of the citizens advisory committee that helped conduct the chief’s search, replaced Chief Roberto Villaseñor who retired in December.