Beebe was acting as interim police chief after the departure of Chief Fred Ross.

“I’m honored to lead this department that has been my passion for 24 years and humbled to work with officers I respect, trust and admire — and who feel like family,” Beebe said. “I personally know of their high professionalism and their desire to serve ‘The Provo Way,’ which is partnering with our community to protect with compassion and respect.”

Beebe brings 29 years of law enforcement experience to the role, serving five years with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and 24 years with the Provo Police Department. As interim chief, Beebe accepted Provo City’s accreditation by the Utah Chiefs of Police Association for demonstrated high professional standards and is improving department transparency with the creation of a civilian public information role.

“As the community’s public safety figure, a police chief sets the tone not only for the department, but for the entire city,” said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. “Chief Beebe has shown leadership, collaboration and a deep love for the Provo community. He has deservedly earned the respect and support of this department and city.”

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

A good portion of the police department attended the council meeting to see their new chief sworn in to the office.

“Provo City has earned its reputation as one of the safest and healthiest communities in the country by being committed to public safety values of community, partnership, accountability, professionalism and respect,” Kaufusi said. “Our high national public safety rankings, recently earned accreditation, and national recognition for our state-of-the-art public safety building show our continued dedication to a safe community.”

The accreditation process was a collaborative effort by several sworn and non-sworn employees. It requires Provo city to analyze every facet of its police department to ensure it is operating at the highest required standards.

Police policies, city policies and numerous other documents were collected and reviewed to ensure the department was using best practices and operating within the law. Every part of the department was physically inspected and evaluated, which included verifying thast current operating procedures were following the written policies.

In speaking to the council Tuesday, Kaufusi noted that, “It’s important we are accountable and transparent in telling Provo’s public safety story. Without a doubt, Provo is a safe community and getting safer.”

Courtesy Provo city