Port Townsend Police Chief Thomas Olson may soon depart to become the chief of police for another Pacific Northwest town.

According to a press release dated June 4 from the city of Prineville, Ore., Olson is one of three finalists for the police chief’s post. Olson and co-candidates appeared at a public meet and greet there on June 5, followed by a day of interviews with three interview panels on June 6.

“The City of Prineville aims to appoint a new chief by the end of the summer,” according to the same release.

When asked about his reasons for the job search, Olson said, “Until I am offered and have accepted a position in another city, I am the Port Townsend Chief of Police. This is my only comment at this time.”

Said City Manager John Mauro: “I'm not able to speak to whether Chief Olson plans to accept the job if it's offered to him. I'll also leave it to him to discuss his reasons for applying or why he'd consider leaving his current role.” 

Mauro has been the city manager for four and half years. During that time, he said he has worked with three police chiefs, adding that the city had not begun a search for Olson’s replacement.

“It would be very unusual – and procedurally incorrect – to begin a search for a position when there has not been formal notice given,” Mauro said. “I might suggest that this newsworthy story is a bit early; waiting until there's a decision from Prineville or a resignation letter from the Chief might yield more than just speculation and hypotheticals.”

Olson began his public service career in 1988, and has since worked in the Washington Air National Guard and the University of Washington Police Department. Olson became chief for the City of Port Townsend in January 2022.

In the department’s annual report published in February 2024, the agency reported an overall decrease in crime from 2022 to 2023, yet certain crimes saw increases. Among them, assaults increased from 93 incidents to 113. Incidents of fraud increased from five incidents to nine. Drug and narcotics crimes also increased from one incident to four. Violations of protection orders saw the largest increase, from 23 incidents in 2022 to 42 in 2023.

The same report also showed an upward trajectory in use of force. In 2021, there were 10 incidents where officers used force. In 2022, there were 16 incidents. In 2023, there were 39 incidents. Use of force includes officers displaying a weapon, employing a hold or takedown and taser deployment.

The City of Port Townsend’s employment web page shows the department is seeking entry-level and more experienced officers.

Prineville is located in central Oregon. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Prineville’s estimated population in July 2023 was 11,745.