Edmonds seeks community input on police chief search

Published 2:50 pm Monday, January 6, 2025

EDMONDS — Mayor Mike Rosen launched Edmonds’ search for a new police chief Friday, sending a survey out to the community.

Current Police Chief Michelle Bennett announced her retirement in October, citing the city’s budget woes and a desire to spend more time with her family. Mayor Rosen will choose an interim chief to begin Feb. 16, the day following Bennett’s last day on the job.

The search comes amid a budget crisis for the city. Edmonds passed its budget last month, but the bridging of its $13 million deficit hinges on voters. In April, residents will vote on whether Edmonds should annex into the regional fire authority. In either August or November, a levy lid lift measure will also be on the ballot. If one or both of these measures fail, the city may have to look into other cost-cutting options, such as disbanding the police department and contracting with a county sheriff’s department.

Edmonds residents can fill out the online survey until Jan. 17. The survey is also available in Vietnamese and Spanish. The mayor is sending additional surveys to council members and police staff. He also plans to create review and interview panels as part of the search.

Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.