Chief Olson Introduction Letter - January 12, 2022

Thomas A. Olson
Chief of Police

I am excited and honored to have been sworn in as the Chief of Police for the Port Townsend Police Department. It is my privilege to serve this beautiful Victorian port city community. As your chief of police, I am committed to building and maintaining public trust while partnering with the community to keep Port Townsend a safer place to live, work, play, and visit.

The past year has been incredibly challenging for law enforcement across our nation. Various events have created a platform for important causes and movements revolving around race, equality, and fairness within our criminal justice system. Although the Port Townsend Police Department is ahead of the curve in many areas, we will continue to improve on several fronts, most notably transparency with our community, training, and community care taking.

Communication is essential towards building public trust.  The Port Townsend Police Department will always strive to be open, transparent, and work together with the community to ensure our citizens are heard and valued.  I passionately believe in the sanctity of life, meaning every person, no matter what their circumstances, is valued and their life is sacred.   

The job of a police officer is extremely difficult, especially in these ever-changing times.  Police officers must have the support of their community and their police chief to be successful and accomplish their mission. They will always have my support when they are professional, adhere to department policy, and treat everyone they encounter with dignity and respect.

Together, along with city leadership and the support of the community, the Port Townsend Police Department will strive to be the model for success not only on the Olympic Peninsula but in the State of Washington.

I am currently working hard to get to know the community that I serve. If you are a part of a group or organization, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet them and introduce myself. I can be reached by email at tolson@cityofpt.us or by phone at (360) 385-2322.