A national search is underway to attract a collaborative, principled, and forward-thinking police executive to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City of Tukwila, Washington. Located immediately south of Seattle in the heart of the Puget Sound region, Tukwila is a welcoming and culturally diverse community of just over 23,000 residents. As a major regional center for employment, commerce, transportation, and recreation, the city has more than 40,000 jobs and an estimated daytime population of approximately 150,000. The next Chief will lead a well-resourced department serving a dynamic community with public safety demands more commonly associated with a much larger urban jurisdiction.
The Chief of Police will oversee a full-service department with a $29.5 million budget and authorized staffing of 70 commissioned officers and 31 professional staff. The Chief will provide overall leadership and strategic direction while advancing a culture grounded in professionalism, service, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Key priorities include strengthening organizational alignment and accountability, evaluating staffing and resource deployment, advancing contemporary community policing, developing the workforce, and effectively addressing Tukwila’s complex public safety demands.
The successful candidate will be a visible, approachable, and authentic leader who understands the complexities of serving a highly diverse community and values meaningful engagement with employees, residents, businesses, community organizations, and regional partners. The ideal Chief will communicate openly, establish clear expectations, empower and develop employees, and lead with integrity, emotional intelligence, procedural fairness, and sound judgment. This executive will embrace data-informed decision-making and thoughtful innovation while maintaining strong operational credibility and a firm commitment to public safety.
The Chief will work collaboratively with the Mayor, City Council, executive leadership, labor representatives, partner agencies, and community stakeholders to strengthen public trust and ensure effective and responsive public safety services. The Chief will also serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership and provide calm, decisive executive leadership during critical incidents and periods of organizational change.
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 12 years of policing experience, including at least three years in a command-level role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A master’s degree is preferred. Candidates must possess or be able to obtain Washington State peace officer certification within six months of employment.
The City offers a competitive salary range of $247,308–$274,224 annually, with placement dependent upon qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. The first review of applications will occur September 10, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply early. Interested candidates should submit a compelling cover letter, comprehensive résumé, and list of professional references to apply@publicsectorsearch.com. The position will remain open until filled.
Inquiries regarding the position and selection process should be directed to:
Mr. Gary Peterson
President / CEO (Chief of Police, ret.)
Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc.
gary@publicsectorsearch.com
(916) 622-5323 (mobile)
(916) 789-9990 (office)
