Commander Raymond Kieffer began his law enforcement journey in 1995 as a Reserve Officer. On December 26, 1995, he was officially hired as a Patrol Officer. During his time in patrol, he served as a Crime Scene Officer, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and dedication to thorough investigations. In 1998, he was selected as a Field Training Officer, where he found great fulfillment mentoring younger officers, positively shaping their careers and fostering a culture of excellence.
In 1999, Commander Kieffer transitioned to the Criminal Investigations Division, where he excelled as a Detective for 11 years. He worked in specialized units, including Sex Crimes, Robbery/Homicide, and Intelligence. His diligence and attention to detail made him an invaluable case agent on numerous homicide investigations, solving many cases and bringing justice to victims. During his tenure, he investigated 27 homicides, a testament to his commitment and skill. In 2004, he was promoted to Patrol Watch Commander, further expanding his leadership responsibilities.
By 2006, Commander Kieffer joined the Criminal Investigations Bureau’s Intelligence Unit, focusing on organized retail theft rings. In this role, he collaborated with neighboring agencies to identify and apprehend suspects involved in crimes across Chandler and the Valley. Additionally, he managed the Bait Vehicle Program and was honored with the Meritorious Service Award for his impactful work in this unit.
In April 2010, Commander Kieffer was promoted to Sergeant. Over the next seven years, he supervised the Field Training Officer program, mentoring newly promoted supervisors and instilling strong leadership principles. His passion for guiding others continued as he rose to the rank of Lieutenant in 2017. In this role, he led the Criminal Investigations Bureau’s Persons Crimes Section and oversaw operations at the Family Advocacy Center.
Commander Kieffer’s educational achievements include an Associate degree in Administration of Justice from Mesa Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California Coastal University. He has also completed the prestigious Executive Leadership Program through the Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board. Commander Kieffer is also a graduate of FBI-LEEDA’s Trilogy program, that focuses on excellence in organizational leadership, through a series of advanced courses.
Throughout his career, Commander Kieffer has been recognized for his outstanding service. In 2014, he received a Community Service Award for saving the life of a suicidal individual and ensuring she had a meaningful holiday with her family. He was also awarded a Unit Citation for leading Team 2 in the Desert Breeze precinct, where the team earned multiple accolades for crime reduction efforts and for supporting underprivileged community members with food, clothing, and holiday gifts for children.
Commander Kieffer’s dedication to the community has also been acknowledged by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who honored him for his service and commitment.
Promoted to Commander in November 2024, Commander Kieffer is eager to continue his legacy of mentoring and inspiring the next generation of officers at the Chandler Police Department. His career exemplifies dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service.