Jay Mason of the Tumwater Police Department is set to be the permanent police chief.
Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan announced in a city council meeting on Tuesday, April 15, that she has chosen Mason, the acting police chief since February, to take on the position on a permanent basis starting July 1.
Mason replaces retiring Police Chief Jon Weiks, whose last day at the office is on June 30.
Sullivan said that in making the decision, the city considered conducting external recruitment but chose to forego the process.
“An external recruitment is usually something you do when you need to make some culture change …and that's not what our police department needed because we have a great culture in our police department,” Sullivan said.
The mayor added that she spent time connecting with different areas of the police department, speaking with rank-and-file officers and leadership, and participating in ride-alongs, before making the decision.
“I understand that no matter when you pick anything, you don't make 100 percent people happy, but I do believe that this is the right move forward,” Sullivan said.
Asked by council members if Mason’s appointment would need council approval, City Attorney Karen Kirkpatrick said the appointment of the police chief does not need confirmation by the council.
In a press release on the same day, Mason outlined areas of focus in his new role. His priorities include attaining full staffing level and advocating for training and equipment that officers need to serve at their highest level.
“We provide police services to the greater Tumwater community 24/7/365 days per year. Understanding and fulfilling this role at a high level, consistently, is our mission.” stated Mason in the press release.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mason has more than 30 years in local law enforcement, including more than 18 in leadership roles, all within the Tumwater Police Department.
He has also served as a patrol officer, detective, and a SWAT Team member. Mason is a graduate of The Evergreen State College with a bachelor’s degree in civic intelligence.
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mathisje
Yay! Tumwater has a great police force. Jay is the perfect choice to keep it that way. I miss the old Citizens Academy, I learned a lot. Meet some outstanding people got an inside look at elements of the local criminal justice system, and learned some of challenges and solutions facing Tumwater PD.
Wednesday, April 16 Report this
OlyBlues
This is such great news and one of the best decisions coming out of the city of Tumwater in a long time. Having known Jay professionally for decades, I know him to be ethical, honest, caring, intelligent, a solid leader, and the perfect choice to lead the department. He cares about the city and the staff. Excellent choice.
Thursday, April 17 Report this
Boatyarddog
I feel that choosing a title of "permanent" discounts any other possibilities of Other candidates, as well disenfranchises the Tumwater People's Rights to vote in another Chief.
It may as well be wholly illegal.
An extended term maybe a better choice.
I'm betting there will be a Legal challenge that comes out of this.
Sullivan seems to want the be somewhat of a dictator when it come to city policy... example The Davis Meeker historical Tree issue.
Chief Mason may be a great candidate for Chief, but there is a growing trend in our country to bypass voters rights.
Saturday, April 19 Report this