Police Chief Selection

Consultation has concluded.

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 helpContinue reading

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

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.

Consultation has concluded.

Meet the Candidates

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Three Semi-Finalists identified for City of Bellingham’s Next Police Chief
After preliminary interviews conducted by Prothman, the recruitment firm leading the search for the City’s next police chief, and review of application materials by City representatives, three candidates have been identified as semi-finalists and will be moving forward to the interview stage of the selection process. Fifteen applications were received, with two submitted after the application period closed on February 6, 2022. The semi-finalists are:
- John DeRousse, Deputy Chief, Everett Police Department
- Dennis Flynn, Commander, Commerce City Police Department
- Rebecca Mertzig, Police Chief, Stanwood Police Department/Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office
A virtual forum to meet the candidates has been scheduled for Thursday, March 17^th at 5:30 pm. After meeting and listening to the candidates, participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback through a survey. For those not able to attend, a recording of the forum will be made available along with the survey on this page by Friday morning, March 18^th. The survey will be open for feedback until 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 20^th.
Candidate bios are available here.
Community Forum

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You are invited to attend a virtual public forum on Thursday, March 17th at 5:30 pm to introduce the candidates being considered for the position. The event will take place via zoom. Each candidate will deliver a brief introduction and answer a series of questions selected from those provided by the community during the public feedback process. Once the public has a chance to watch and listen to what the police chief candidates have to say at the forum, they will be invited to provide feedback through an online survey.