Mayor Appoints Michelle Bennett to Police Chief - City of Edmonds, WA

Mayor Mike Nelson has appointed Michelle Bennett as the permanent Police Chief of Edmonds, Washington, following a comprehensive recruitment process. Bennett has been serving as Acting Police Chief since March 2021, where she showcased her community-oriented approach to policing, embodying the city’s values of safety, care, and compassion. The selection procedure included stakeholder interviews, community surveys, and assessments conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Feedback from the community and city staff played a crucial role in her selection. With a distinguished career in law enforcement, Bennett previously held the position of Chief of Police in both Maple Valley and Sammamish.

She possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice, a Master of Science in Psychology, and a Doctorate in Education, further emphasizing her expertise. Additionally, Bennett has been actively teaching criminal justice courses in Washington State colleges since 1998. The City Council is set to review and confirm her appointment on August 24, 2021, with her official start date as Police Chief scheduled for September 16.