Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack will retire on May 22, 2026, closing the book on a 34-year law enforcement career and five years at the helm of the Salem Police Department, City Manager Krishna Namburi announced. His planned exit starts a transition period for the department as city leaders plan for interim management and launch a search for a permanent successor.
City Manager Maps Out Timeline And Interim Plan
In a news release, Namburi said Womack’s retirement is effective May 22 and that Assistant Chief Brandon Ditto will step in as interim chief for at least six months while the city evaluates what the department needs going forward, according to City of Salem. “Serving this department and community has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Womack said in the city statement. The department also shared the announcement on its Facebook page.
Womack's Record And Local Context
Womack, who arrived in Salem from Stockton in December 2020, led the department’s first public strategic plan and oversaw the rollout of body-worn cameras while championing a Community Violence Reduction Initiative, the Salem Reporter reports. He also put a premium on staffing and data-driven reforms during several tight budget years, and city records show a notable drop in violent crime in 2025 as some of those efforts took hold. Colleagues have credited his push for transparency and updated policies with reshaping use-of-force rules and vehicle pursuit protocols.
What Comes Next For The Department
The city manager’s office said it will review the department’s needs before naming a permanent chief, and that Assistant Chief Ditto will keep day-to-day operations steady during the transition, according to City of Salem. Under city code, the police chief is appointed by the city manager, and officials signaled they will weigh community trust and public safety priorities when selecting candidates. Residents with questions were directed to the city’s communications channels for ongoing updates on the leadership change.
