Police chief search on hold – again

Top candidate for Olympia police chief withdraws from consideration

Posted

Kenton Buckner, the Olympia city manager’s “preferred” choice to be the city’s new police chief, announced his withdrawal from the candidacy, putting the selection process for the new police head on hold, the city announced in a press release.

"Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the search for a Chief of Police in the city of Olympia,” the statement quoted Buckner. “For personal reasons, I am withdrawing as a candidate for the position.”

Buckner, also resigned from his post as Syracuse, New York’s police chief, according to The Olympian. Statements he issued in both cities gave similar explanation for his withdrawal and resignation.

Olympia Strategic Communications Director Kellie Purce Braseth told The JOLT the city already offered the post to Buckner “pending a final background check, which was not completed because he chose to withdraw.” 

Braseth added that hiring a police chief is the responsibility of the city manager, Jay Burney, not the city council.

“Our search for a new police chief has been long and challenging, said Burney in the press release, “and I am disappointed that, despite a strong recruiting process with good community input, we cannot announce a new chief.”

The search for a new police chief also had to be put on hold last year when one of the candidates, withdrew after he was recorded using inappropriate use of force on a suspect.

Asked if Rich Allen, who has been serving as interim police chief since September last year, has been considered for the permanent post, Braseth reiterated that it was up to the city manager.

What about the other two candidates?

In an online town hall-style meeting on March 15, 2022, city officials interviewed the three top candidates, including Buckner. City Manager Jay Burney refused to comment today when asked about the other two top candidates for the position.

About that question, Braseth reiterated,  “As noted in the update, the City Manager will pause to take time to reevaluate the candidate pool for the position and will share more about next steps in the coming weeks.”

Comments

1 comment on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • JW

    Burney couldn't decide his way out of a pee-soaked paper bag.

    If only the decision process for Burney had been this long-winded. There's no way he would have been able to simply ease his way in to the position from assistant city manager to city manager, a post he's woefully unfit for.

    Saturday, April 23, 2022 Report this