Sedona, AZ — A deepening conflict between Sedona’s mayor and its first female police chief has prompted an outside investigation, raising questions about leadership, workplace culture, and the proper role of elected officials in city government.
Mayor Scott Jablow, a longtime law enforcement veteran, filed a three-page complaint last week urging the city manager to place Police Chief Stephanie Foley on paid administrative leave and launch an investigation. The mayor’s move comes roughly a year after he made a similar request.
Chief Foley had filed a 157-page human resources complaint accusing Jablow of harassment and fostering what she described as a departmental culture of “toxic masculinity.”
City officials have confirmed an independent review is underway but declined to provide details, citing the confidentiality of personnel matters.
Unlike cities with a “strong mayor” system—where the mayor is the chief executive, directly overseeing departments and personnel—Sedona follows the “council–manager” model of government.
In this model, the city manager acts as the chief executive officer, overseeing day-to-day operations, hiring, firing, and supervising department heads such as the police chief.
The mayor and City Council set policy, pass budgets, and represent the community, but do not manage employees directly.
Sedona’s adopted policy says elected officials should not direct or discipline staff.
Any communication with city employees, particularly department heads, should flow through the city manager’s office to maintain professionalism, prevent micromanagement, and protect staff from political pressure.
This structure is intended to balance accountability: the council speaks with one voice through the city manager, while the city manager ensures staff follow council policy.
This is not the first time Foley has faced scrutiny. In 2024, an external investigation into complaints against her found no substantiated evidence. That probe closed without disciplinary action.
Foley, who became Sedona’s first female police chief in 2022, has been credited with broadening community outreach and emphasizing inclusion in department culture. Her leadership has also drawn criticism from some officers’ resistant to change.
Mayor Jablow’s complaint accuses Chief Foley of creating a hostile workplace and asks that she be relieved of duty pending inquiry.
Chief Foley’s complaint alleges harassment by the mayor and attempts to pressure her into reinforcing a male-dominated departmental culture.
Neither the mayor nor the chief has spoken publicly since the complaints were filed.
A city spokesperson said a third-party firm will conduct the outside investigation. No timeline has been given for completion, and the city has emphasized the need for confidentiality.
The dispute raises concerns about public confidence in Sedona’s police department—and about the role of elected officials in city administration.
The Sedona Police Department employs about 40 sworn officers. For a city of roughly 9,800 residents but up to 20,000 visitors per day, stability at the top is seen as crucial.
The City Council will continue to meet in August, with executive sessions possible.
The independent review findings are expected to guide any decision on Chief Foley’s future.
In the meantime, Foley remains in her role.
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