Troy Price will take over as the Vancouver Police Department’s new chief, city officials announced on Tuesday. Price served as interim chief after the retirement of Jeff Mori in October. Price was the sole finalist for the job.

For the last four years, Price has served as the assistant chief of police at VPD. The majority of his 30-year career in law enforcement was spent in Southwest Washington. During that time, he climbed the ranks from patrol officer to lieutenant to deputy chief of police.

“Vancouver has been my home for 27 years, and it is an honor to serve my community as their next Chief of Police,” said Price in a statement. “I’m humbled by this opportunity and look forward to making Vancouver the safest urban city in the state of Washington.”

His appointment will maintain stability and institutional knowledge in the department during a time of ongoing staffing shortages. In November, the city of Vancouver sent voters a proposal, known as Proposition 4, that would raise taxes to pay for 80 new police officers, department support staff and improved technology.

According to the department, staffing levels have not kept up with population growth and increasing crime in the region. The tax levy failed but city officials are expected to bring a renewed proposal back to voters in 2025.

“Vancouver needs a chief who comprehends the complex reasons behind the growing demand for police services and the evolution of the policing profession,” City Manager Lon Pluckhahn said in a press release. “With his extensive experience in policing, I am confident that as Chief, [Price] will lead our police department with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.”

In August, Price was one of three members of VPD leadership named in a tort claim from two female police officers in the department. The officers alleged they were retaliated against at work after testifying against the department in a federal sex discrimination lawsuit. At the time Price was the Deputy Chief. The allegations are still being investigated.

Price was not available for comment.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2024/11/26/deputy-chief-troy-price-vancouver-police-department/