City of Richland Announces Two Finalists for Police Chief

After a comprehensive search, the City of Richland has narrowed down its selection for the next Police Chief to two highly qualified finalists: Matthew Brown, Port Orchard, WA, and Daniel Christman, Selah, WA. Both candidates bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to community policing to the position.

Matthew Brown serves as the Chief of Police in Port Orchard, WA. Chief Brown has also served as Deputy Chief of Police for Poulsbo, WA, Chief Criminal Deputy for Walla Walla County, WA, and other law enforcement positions in Lakewood, WA, and Pierce County. Brown possesses an executive master’s in public administration from the University of Washington and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum. Brown is also a recipient of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Award.

Daniel Christman serves as the Police Chief in Selah, WA. Chief Christman has also served as Program Manager for the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Police Commander for Sunnyside, WA, Deputy Director of the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Police Officer for Bothell, WA. Christman possesses a master’s in criminal justice from Boston University and is a graduate of the School of Police Staff and Command from Northwestern University. Christman is also a recipient of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Award.

“We were incredibly impressed with the caliber of these candidates and their ability to continue to move the department forward with excellence,” said Jon Amundson, City Manager. “Both Brown and Christman possess the leadership skills, experience, and vision necessary to lead RPD into the future. We are confident that either candidate will be a valuable asset to our community.”

Final interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, January 9. Candidates will take part in multiple panel interviews, a police department tour, and a city tour.  

The public will have an opportunity to meet the finalists and learn more about their vision for the City of Richland Police Department at the Candidate Reception. The event will take place on Tuesday, January 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Richland City Hall, 625 Swift Blvd. Richland, WA 99352

The Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC) was engaged by the City to assist in a nationwide executive recruitment and selection process for its new Police Chief.

The city anticipates making its selection by the end of the month. The final selection of the next Police Chief will be contingent upon a successful background investigation consistent with RCW 43.101.095.