Oregon Association Chiefs of Police

06/16/2026

Congratulations are in order for Medford Police Department as Chief Arnold was sworn in as Chief of police earlier this month.

Chief Arnold's appointment marks the culmination of nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Medford community. Beginning his law enforcement career with the Medford Police Department in 1998 as a Community Service Officer, he steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as a Police Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Deputy Chief before being selected to lead the organization as Chief of Police.

Throughout his career, Chief Arnold has earned a reputation as a thoughtful leader, collaborative partner, and steadfast advocate for public safety. His extensive experience in patrol operations, criminal investigations, organizational leadership, and community engagement has helped shape the Medford Police Department and strengthen relationships throughout the region.

Having spent his entire law enforcement career serving the City of Medford, Chief Arnold brings a deep understanding of the community, its challenges, and its opportunities. His commitment to professional excellence, mentorship, and service has prepared him well for this important leadership role.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Arnold on this significant milestone. We wish him continued success as he leads the Medford Police Department into its next chapter and serves the citizens of Medford with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.

06/15/2026

Chief Ivens began his law enforcement career with the Medford Police Department in September 1995 as a Civilian Employee before becoming a Police Officer in February 1996. Throughout his distinguished career, he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, and ultimately Chief of Police in December 2021.

During his tenure, Chief Ivens earned a reputation as a respected leader, skilled investigator, and dedicated public servant. His experience in major crimes investigations, supervision, and executive leadership helped shape the department and strengthen public safety efforts throughout Southern Oregon. He led with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to both his employees and the community he served.

On behalf of the OACP, we congratulate Chief Ivens on an exceptional career and thank him for his decades of service. We wish Justin and his family health, happiness, and many rewarding adventures in retirement. Your contributions to the profession and the Medford community will leave a lasting legacy.

An additional thank you to Chief Warren Hensman who serves the OACP as the district representative covering the Medford area and was able to present Chief Ivens with his retirement plaque.

06/01/2026

05/22/2026

The OACP is excited to celebrate the successes of law enforcement agencies, sheriff’s offices, and communications centers throughout Oregon that have achieved accreditation or reaccreditation through the Northwest Accreditation Alliance over the past year.

Accreditation is far more than a certificate on the wall, it is a rigorous, comprehensive process that demonstrates an agency’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. Agencies undergoing accreditation dedicate countless hours to policy review, operational assessment, documentation, training, and evaluation to ensure they are meeting the highest standards in public safety service.

This achievement reflects the extraordinary work of chiefs, sheriffs, directors, command staff, supervisors, accreditation managers, dispatch personnel, sworn officers, professional staff, and community partners who collectively contribute to excellence in policing and emergency communications across our state.

We offer special recognition to the agencies receiving their INITIAL accreditation which is a significant milestone - representing years of preparation, dedication, and organizational commitment:

• Oregon State Police
• Gresham Police Department
• Rogue River Police Department
• Eagle Point Police Department
• Cottage Grove Police Department
• Roseburg Police Department
• Junction City Police Department
• Umatilla County Sheriff's Office
• LOCOM 9-1-1
• Umatilla 9-1-1
• Grants Pass 9-1-1

We also commend every agency achieving reaccreditation and milestone renewals. Sustaining accreditation over multiple cycles reflects an enduring commitment to excellence, leadership, and service to the communities of Oregon.

Sunriver Police Department — 3rd Accreditation
Milwaukie Police Department — 3rd Accreditation
McMinnville Police Department — 5th Accreditation
Newport Police Department — 4th Accreditation
Oregon City Police Department — 7th Accreditation
Grants Pass Police Department — 2nd Accreditation
Newberg-Dundee Police Department — 7th Accreditation
Carlton Police Department — 5th Accreditation
Ashland Police Department — 8th Accreditation
Boardman Police Department — 2nd Accreditation
Silverton Police Department — 5th Accreditation
Canby Police Department — 3rd Accreditation
Sandy Police Department — 5th Accreditation
West Linn Police Department — 2nd Accreditation
Mt. Angel Police Department - 2nd Accreditation

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office — 8th Accreditation
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office — 6th Accreditation
Jackson County Sheriff's Office — 2nd Accreditation

Crook County 9-1-1 — Reaccreditation
WCCCA — Reaccreditation

Thank you for your dedication to maintaining the highest standards in public safety.

05/22/2026

Welcome Chief Edward “Ed” Perry who brings more than two decades of dedicated service to the North Bend Police Department and the citizens of North Bend, Oregon. Beginning his law enforcement career with the department in August 2003 as a Reserve Officer, Chief Perry steadily advanced through the ranks through a combination of professionalism, leadership, and commitment to public service.

Chief Perry is also committed to professional growth and higher education. In 2025, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bushnell University with interdisciplinary studies in Criminal Justice, Communication, and Business Administration. His educational background complements his practical law enforcement experience and supports his collaborative, service-oriented leadership style.

Adding to the significance of his appointment, Chief Perry’s connection to North Bend law enforcement spans generations. His great-grandfather previously served as Chief of Police for the City of North Bend, creating a unique family legacy of service and leadership within the same community.

The OACP extends its congratulations to Chief Perry on his appointment and wishes him continued success as he begins this new chapter of leadership and service to his community.

05/22/2026

Our 2026 Annual Conference in Pendleton would not have been the same without the incredible support of businesses and partners who stepped up to help create an unforgettable week for Oregon’s law enforcement leaders.

From golf and bowling tournaments to a speakeasy social event, these organizations helped keep attendees entertained, connected, competitive, and fueled throughout the week. We are especially grateful to the local and regional businesses that continue investing in Oregon law enforcement and the communities we all serve.

A huge thank you to: 5 Rivers Outdoors | Les Schwab Tires | Werner Gourmet Meat Snack | Wildhorse Resort & Casino |
Tyler Technologies | P&C Construction | Blauer | MacKenzie | Spacesaver Specialists | Sheepdog Resume | Cellebrite |Oregon Rifleworks | Sharp Performance

Special recognition goes to Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks, Inc. for donating teriyaki and pepperoni sticks that became the unofficial “conference survival fuel” between meals and sessions. Your generosity was a huge hit with attendees.

We also want to give an extra shout out to 5 Rivers Outdoors and Oregon Rifleworks for each donating a G***k that helped make our Special Olympics Oregon raffle a tremendous success during the conference week. Your support directly contributed to an outstanding cause while bringing excitement and engagement to attendees throughout the event.

These partnerships matter. Supporting local businesses that support Oregon law enforcement helps strengthen the relationships and communities we all care about. Thank you for investing in our members, our mission, and a memorable week in Pendleton.

05/21/2026

The McMinnville Police Department is looking for Police Officers.
Salary ranges - $78,864.00 - $105,744.00 (Plus incentive pay)
Click below for more information & to apply:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Mcminnville
Placing an advertisement with the OACP is a great way to expand the market reach of your personnel search. Click here for more information: https://www.policechief.org/job-board

05/18/2026

After more than three decades of distinguished law enforcement service, Chief Trevor Womack is retiring following a career defined by thoughtful leadership, innovation, and service to community.

Chief Womack joined the Salem Police Department in December 2020 as the tenth police chief in the history of Oregon’s capital city, arriving during one of the most challenging periods in modern policing. Over the last five years, he led the department with a focus on transparency, trust-building, data-driven policing, and organizational modernization. Under his leadership, Salem implemented its first body-worn camera program, developed its first public strategic plan, strengthened violence reduction partnerships, increased transparency, and modernized policies and technology systems.

Before coming to Salem, Chief Womack spent nearly three decades with the Stockton Police Department in California, the city where he was raised and began his law enforcement career in 1992. Rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief of Police, he helped lead one of California’s larger agencies.

A second-generation law enforcement officer, Chief Womack brought both experience and vision to every role he served. He holds degrees in criminal justice and security studies, graduated from the FBI National Academy, and consistently emphasized principled, smarter policing rooted in trust and accountability.

As he closes this chapter and returns home to California to spend more time with family, the OACP congratulates Chief Womack on an exceptional 34-year career and thanks him for his steadfast commitment to public service. We wish him health, happiness, and fulfillment in retirement.

05/17/2026

The Oregon Association Chiefs of Police extends a congratulations to Chief Cal Mitts on his retirement and exceptional career in Oregon law enforcement.

Chief Mitts’ career spans more than three decades of dedicated public service, beginning in 1994 as a reserve officer with the Coos Bay Police Department. Through professionalism, hard work, and steady leadership, he advanced through the ranks from Police Officer to Sergeant and Captain, serving the Coos Bay community for more than 25 years. Following a brief period with the Redmond Police Department, he returned to the South Coast where he continued his service, retiring from Coos Bay as Captain in 2021.

Retirement proved short-lived, as Chief Mitts answered the call once again, joining the North Bend Police Department - Oregon as Captain later that same year before being promoted to Chief of Police in 2023. During his time in North Bend, he helped guide the department through a period of leadership transition, supporting organizational stability, officer development, and strengthened community relationships.

The OACP thanks Chief Mitts for his years of service, leadership, and dedication to the people of Oregon. We wish him nothing but the best in a well-earned retirement and the next chapter ahead.