Edmonds City Council confirms new police chief
Published 3:51 pm Wednesday, July 9, 2025
EVERETT — The Edmonds City Council confirmed Assistant Police Chief Loi Dawkins as the city’s new police chief on Tuesday, effective Aug. 1.
Dawkins has more than 23 years of law enforcement experience. She has served as an assistant police chief in Edmonds since 2022.
“She is a leader, and she leads from the center,” council President Pro Tem Susan Paine said. “Everyone feels supported. I’ve heard this over and over and over again from the from the field personnel and the office personnel, when I come across them out in the community.”
In October 2024, former chief Michelle Bennett announced her retirement. Assistant Chief Rod Sniffen has served as acting police chief since March.
Before joining the Edmonds Police Department, Dawkins worked for Muckleshoot Tribal Police, the King County Sheriff’s Office and Metro Transit Police. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Washington. She also has a master’s degree in public safety from the University of Virginia. In 2023, she graduated from the FBI National Academy’s 287th session.
“Dawkins’ qualifications stood out,” council member Will Chen said. “What impressed me is her ability to bring people together.”
The council approved Dawkins’ confirmation by a vote of 6-1. Council member Michelle Dotsch cast the sole opposing vote. She said Dawkins’ annual salary of $265,890 is too high compared to cities with similar populations and crime rates. The motion to confirm Dawkins included approving her employment contract.
“This candidate is extremely qualified,” Dotsch said. “That is not my issue, as I confirm the appointment. Because it’s bundled, I will be voting no only due to the matter of the salary imbalance, using the same employment structure set up last year during our city’s fiscal emergency.”
Council member Vivian Olson said Mayor Mike Rosen picked Dawkins as his recommendation from a strong candidate pool, which included Edmonds Cmdrs. Josh McClure and Shane Hawley.
“I did not envy the mayor in his position and making the decision because I wanted all of them, they were wonderful,” Olson said. “I do want the community to realize that we have a young department, and for us to have such strong leadership at this point at the top is something to be extremely grateful for.”
The selection process included interviews and surveys with community members and city staff. The three final candidates went through a crime analysis presentation, written exercise and structured interview with city staff.
“I had an opportunity to meet with community members, with our council members, panelists that consisted of chiefs, and it was a really enlightening process for me,” Dawkins said to the council Tuesday. “So I do appreciate your confidence in me, and I appreciate this confirmation. I really look forward to working with the city in my new role.”
Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.
