Oregon City’s Police Chief has announced he will retire on August 17. Chief Jim Band has led the department for the last ten years. Chief Band has been with the Oregon City Police since 1998.
“Jim has been a leader not just in the department, but the entire community, and he will definitely be missed,” said City Manager Tony Konkol. “His years of experience combined with his dedication to ensuring that the department continually leads the way in law enforcement standards has resulted in many of the OCPD’s policies and programs serving as models for other agencies in the region to follow.”
“It is going to be bittersweet for me to say goodbye and acknowledge that Chief James Band is retiring. I have been working with him for over 15 years and if there is one word that describes his commitment to the job – it’s Community,” said Mayor Denyse McGriff.
“It took a number of years, but we deliberately changed the culture of this department. To ensure that we continued operating at this level, we have done significant succession planning with the leaders and future leaders of this police department,” Chief Band said.
Band counts the recent construction of the Libke Public Safety Center as a milestone in his career. Voters approved the bond measure in 2017. “You don’t get approval for a bond measure like that without support from the community. Likewise, you don’t get that support without a department that exemplifies the best principles in public service,” Band said.
The Oregon City Police Department won’t have to look far for a new chief. Captain Shaun Davis is being promoted on August 17. Captain Davis joined the Oregon City Police Department in 1998 along with Chief Davis. “Shaun has been integral to the culture of OCPD and has been preparing for this role his entire career,” said Chief Band.
“It is an honor and a privilege for me to be selected as your next police chief. We have the very best officers and support staff who are dedicated to serving our great community and who take pride in everything they do. I am excited to lead our department into the future,” Davis said.
“I am looking forward to working with Shaun Davis,” Mayor Denyse McGriff says. “Over the last few months we have been meeting to continue our working relationship, and he too is community focused. I have every confidence in Captain Davis to continue to guide the OCPD with the same focus as his predecessor.”
“Captain Davis has some very big shoes to fill when it comes to replacing Chief Band. The Chief has been a driving force in the Community and a true leader, ensuring that Oregon City has the best police department possible. With that said, I have every confidence in Capt. Davis, as he has shown himself every bit the strong leader that his predecessor has been. I look forward to seeing the department under his leadership,” said Commissioner Mitchell.
Residents will get the chance to say goodbye while meeting the incoming Chief at an open house to be held at the Libke Public Safety Building on June 27 at 6:00 p.m. Chief Band will reflect the last 20 years of changes in the department, while Capt. Davis will share his thoughts on the immediate and future priorities for the agency’s continued high level of service to the community.