As Chief of Police, I have had the opportunity to reflect upon the vision and growth of the Kirkland Police Department and my personal and professional growth within the organization. When I began as a rookie officer in 1988, the Department consisted of a patrol division, detective division, city jail, records, and dispatch – all managed by the Police Chief. Nineteen years later, I have the extreme honor of leading a full service police department that is committed to community problem solving and public safety. More than 96 professional men and women have taken an oath to serve the Kirkland community with professionalism and a mission to truly serve and protect.

Today the department has highly trained officers and support staff that serve on the Special Response Team, Crisis Negotiations Team, Major Investigations Response Team, K9 Unit, Crime Analysis and Pro-Act Team. It has resources dedicated to family safety including the Family Violence Unit, Domestic Abuse Response Team, School Resource Officer assigned to both high schools, and the Neighborhood Resource Officer who acts as a liaison between neighborhoods and the police department identifying and resolving matters of concern. Specialized patrol services are led by the Traffic Unit and supported by the Traffic Fatality Investigations Team and Parking Enforcement Officers. The Department plays a vital role in special event planning and public safety support during community events. Additionally, the Department offers unique volunteer opportunities as part of its Explorers Program and Speed Watch program.

What might not be apparent to most of our customers is the number of city, state and federal laws that the Department is responsible for enforcing. Officers respond to calls for service, investigate all major and minor crimes, transport arrestees to jail and testify at court. The knowledge base and skill of department personnel is remarkable.

What is most exciting about being the Chief of Police is to watch the police department continue to develop. The department was accredited by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs in 1999 and reaccredited in 2005.

The Kirkland Police Department values community relations and is committed to building positive relations with citizens, business owners and visitors. I share the pride of the Department in its allegiance to customer service. I am thankful for the support the department and personnel receive from the community. I look forward to leading the Department’s future growth so that it can effectively respond to the needs of the Kirkland community. There are career and volunteer opportunities with the Department and I hope that many of you will consider being a part of Kirkland Police Department family.

Sincerely,

Eric Olsen
Chief of Police

(For career and volunteer opportunities, go to www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/PD.htm.)