Education
A native of Tucson, Arizona, Assistant Chief Christopher Dennison received his primary education in the Altar Valley and Marana School Districts. He received an Associate Degree from Pima Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University.
Assistant Chief Dennison has attended executive education training with the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police. Additionally, he has completed Foundations in Public Sector Leadership and the Southwest Leadership programs through the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management.
Experience
Assistant Chief Dennison oversees the Investigative Services Bureau, which consists of the Central Investigations Division, the Counter Narcotics Alliance and the Forensics Division.
He began his career with the Tucson Police Department as a member of the Police Assist Group in 2002. In 2004, he joined TPD as a sworn officer assigned to Operations Division Midtown. As an officer, he served as a member of the Community Response Team, a Lead Police Officer and a Field Training Officer.
In 2010, he was promoted to Sergeant and worked as a first-line supervisor in Operations Division West patrol, the Community Response Team, and the Conspiracy Squad in the Counter Narcotics Alliance. He was also a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant Chief Dennison was promoted to Lieutenant in 2016 and assigned to Operations Division South. During his tenure as a Lieutenant, he also served as the Advanced Officer Training Commander and oversaw the Office of Professional Standards.
In 2019, he was promoted to Captain and assigned as Division Commander in Operations Division West. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2022.
Community Service
As a father, Assistant Chief Dennison volunteers as a Little League Coach in his community. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army Tucson and with the Tucson Downtown Partnership.