Remembering Mesa’s First Female Chief of Police

In honor of Women’s History month, we would like to highlight Mesa Police Department’s first female Chief of Police, Jan Strauss. Not only was Jan the first female Police Chief for Mesa, but she was also the first female Assistant Chief. That is two “firsts” for female achievement in the Mesa Police Department… by the same woman! 

Jan started her police career in April 1978 and spent 24 years and 8 months as a sworn officer. During her time as an officer, Jan spent years as a Police Detective before promoting to Master Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and then Captain. Her career was everchanging and her strive for success continued when in 1994, she became the police department’s first female Assistant Chief. Jan held this position for four years. 

In May 1998, Jan was offered the “Acting Chief” position. This position was made after the current Chief of Police retired. Jan held this position while a nationwide search for the next Police Chief commenced. 

In October 1998, Jan was chosen as the first female Chief of Police for the Mesa Police Department and served as such for four years until she retired in November 2002.