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 19 years he has worked in numerous assignments such as patrol, gangs, bicycle patrol, school resource officer, investigations, internal affairs, narcotics and SWAT. He is a graduate of the 254th session of the FBI National Academy as well as the DEA/Arizona HIDTA Drug Unit Commander Leadership Academy.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University in Missouri, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He serves as an adjunct instructor there in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Along with teaching, he also enjoys outdoor activities, all athletic competition, and reading.
He was promoted to Commander in October of 2018. Commander Braxton-Johnson is currently assigned to the Patrol Division.
His areas of responsibility includes:
- Bicycle Patrol
- Cottonwood Police Explorers
- K-9 Handlers
- Motor Officers
- Patrol Division
- School Safety Officer
- SWAT
- Terrorism Liasion Officer (TLO)