Gareth Braxton-Johnson began his law enforcement career in 1999 with the Scottsdale (AZ) Police Department before joining the Cottonwood Police Department in 2005. Over the past 23 years he has worked in assignments such as patrol, gangs, bicycle patrol, school resource officer, investigations, computer forensics, internal affairs, narcotics sergeant & federal TFO, and SWAT. He is a graduate of the 254th session of the FBI National Academy in 2013, the DEA/Arizona HIDTA Drug Unit Commander Leadership Academy, and the Arizona P.O.S.T. Executive Leadership Program. His professional membership associations include the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the FBI National Academy Associates, Arizona Chapter.? He is currently serving on the FBINAA Arizona Chapter Executive Board, as Chapter Secretary.      

Commander Braxton considers himself a lifelong learner and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University in Missouri, a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He previously served as an adjunct instructor at Northern Arizona University in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. He was recently admitted to the Harvard Kennedy School for Senior Executives in State and Local Government program, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Along with spending time with his loved ones, learning, and teaching, he also enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and all athletic competition.    

He was promoted to Commander in October of 2018 and served as the Patrol Commander until November 2020.? Commander Braxton-Johnson is currently assigned to the Support Services Division, His areas of responsibility include:  

 ·  Support Services Division

·  Citizen Police Academy 

·  COP Volunteers 

·  Cottonwood Public Safety Communications Center (PSAP) 

·  Criminal Investigations Unit  

·  Records 

·  Property and Evidence

·  Professional Standards 

·  Victims Assistance