Vancouver residents have the opportunity to meet interim Police Chief Troy Price, the sole finalist in the running to become the city's permanent chief of police. A forum is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, allowing the public to brush shoulders with Price and to pose questions, some derived from a recent online survey. The event is part of Vancouver’s transparent approach in selecting a successor for the position left vacant after Chief Jeff Mori's retirement on October 11.
City officials are framing this engagement as a direct line between the community and its law enforcement policies. The city manager Lon Pluckhahn emphasized the value of community involvement, saying, "The police chief is one of the community’s most visible and impactful positions. It is important to hear about the community’s expectations for and the qualities desired in the next chief," in a statement obtained by the City of Vancouver. According to officials, those in attendance will experience a moderated session with Price, who has presumably been selected for his established record with the department and understanding of local dynamics.
For those wishing to attend the forum, RSVPs are requested. The one-and-a-half-hour discussion will take place at the Evergreen Public Schools Administrative Service Center at 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver, WA 98684, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Interested parties are urged to reserve their spot for an opportunity to influence the police chief selection process, as noted on the city's official announcement.
The city has conducted an internal recruitment to find Mori's replacement, citing the desire for building on established foundations while enhancing trust, accountability, and stability within the department. The decision to consider internal candidates exclusively was likely indicating a preference for institutional knowledge and a demonstrated commitment to serving Vancouver's community. The engagement planned for October 30 appears to mark the culmination of this search process, with the city poised to promote from within, a move that is often seen as a nod to organizational continuity.
