Police Chief Selection

Update - April 19, 2022: Mayor announces Police Chief selection

Thank you for your interest in Bellingham's next Police Chief. We have initiated a second Police Chief selection after an earlier process concluded without selecting a new chief. More details: Mayor announces a new Police Chief search will be held

As part of our commitment to involving the community in selecting our new Police Chief, we sought public feedback about characteristics and priorities we should be considering during review of candidate applications and during interviews with finalists. You may view responses here.

Your feedback will be used to help shape these steps and provide us with valuable insight as we consider candidates for the position. Public feedback collected during the first selection process will be used as well. Follow this link to view community responses from the first process.

The Bellingham Police Chief reports to the Mayor, providing leadership and direction to the employees who are responsible for law enforcement services within the City. The Police Chief is a key member of the City’s management team, highly engaged with the community, and interacts regularly with regional law enforcement leaders, elected officials, neighborhood groups and many others. More details about the position available in the job posting and recruitment brochure.

Like so many communities across the nation, we see the years ahead as transformational for law enforcement and public safety. Opportunities and challenges for our new Police Chief will include: developing non-enforcement responses; a focus on recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce; eliminating structural and institutional racism; increasing equity and access to services; promoting transparency and accountability; and continuing to strengthen the department’s culture of compassion, integrity and professionalism.