SEDONA, Ariz. - Sedona Police Chief Stephanie Foley, who was promoted to the city’s top law enforcement position nearly two years ago, has come under scrutiny following allegations from multiple employees. Foley, a 17-year veteran of the department, has spent her entire law enforcement career in Sedona. A statue outside the police department, featuring Foley and a K-9, symbolizes her long-standing service and commitment.

Allegations and Concerns

Despite her dedication, Foley's leadership has recently been called into question. Concerns have been raised by multiple employees, including Sergeant Laura Leon and Deputy Chief Ryan Kwitkin, about the working environment under Foley.

Sedona, renowned for its stunning landscapes, attracts about three million tourists annually and has a residential population of around 10,000. The Sedona Police Department is relatively small, with 30 sworn officers and 20 volunteers.

Legal Actions and Claims

In March, a law firm representing Kwitkin and Leon sent a letter to the city of Sedona, accusing Chief Foley of creating a hostile work environment. The letter detailed accusations of Foley's "belittling and disruptive behavior" towards department employees, alleging a culture that is both "objectively and subjectively hostile." It further claimed she responded to questions unprofessionally, sometimes with "inappropriate, unwarranted anger." Foley was also accused of instructing subordinates to "surreptitiously record others."

Sergeant Laura Leon, who has been with the department since 2018, reportedly became "the object of investigation" after raising concerns about Chief Foley's behavior. Deputy Chief Ryan Kwitkin, hired by Foley in May 2023 following his retirement as a lieutenant from Boca Raton PD in Florida, claimed that Foley "lost her temper" when he asked another employee for assistance with delivering water and a podium for a department holiday party. Foley allegedly termed this request "insubordination."

Investigation and Findings

Due to these serious allegations, the city of Sedona hired Revolutionary HR Consulting to conduct an investigation into Chief Foley's conduct. This probe was completed in May and found all eight allegations against Foley to be unsubstantiated. Despite this, Deputy Chief Kwitkin was placed on administrative leave on the same day the investigation concluded, as part of a separate sub-investigation.

An anonymous Sedona PD employee described Chief Foley as divisive, manipulative, and retaliatory, citing outdated policies that do not align with best practices. The source also claimed that the city of Sedona has discouraged employees from coming forward with complaints, creating a climate of fear regarding job security.

Leadership's Response

When approached by reporters during their coverage of this story in Sedona, Chief Foley declined to comment, stating she was on the phone and continued walking back to the department's headquarters.

In response to the investigation’s findings, Chief Foley issued a statement emphasizing her commitment to the community and her staff: "My focus has always been and will continue to be on safeguarding my community and leading my staff with the utmost integrity. As the report states, the allegations against me were unfounded. I want to thank the men and women of the Sedona Police Department for their professionalism and dedication to serving the community. I have a renewed focus on our core tenant here at the Sedona Police Department, which is to selflessly serve all our residents to maintain public order, prevent and suppress crime, and be responsive to needs within the community."

City Manager Anette Spickard also expressed confidence in Foley's leadership: "After a thorough, multi-month investigation, we are absolutely confident in Chief Foley’s ability to lead the Sedona Police Department and continue her focus on serving her community."

Ongoing Issues and Further Allegations

Despite the investigation's conclusions, letters on behalf of Leon and Kwitkin suggest that Chief Foley’s executive assistant raised similar concerns about the department’s culture. These letters allege that the city of Sedona has discouraged other employees from coming forward with complaints, leading to fears of job security among the staff.

The full findings of the investigation into Chief Foley have not yet been made public, as the investigation into Deputy Chief Kwitkin continues. This ongoing situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the Sedona Police Department under Chief Foley's leadership.