Media Release October 31, 2024

Richland's New Police Chief to Arrive November 4, 2024

The City Manager of Richland is pleased to announce that Martin Pilcher will officially begin his role as Chief of Police on November 4, 2024, following the successful completion of a thorough background investigation. Pilcher, a respected law enforcement leader with over 20 years of experience, has accepted the offer of employment and is committed to leading the Richland Police Department.

Currently serving as the Chief of Police in Woodburn, OR, Pilcher has a proven track record of effective leadership, overseeing a department of 40 sworn officers, three Community Service Officers, and 7.5 professional staff members. Before his appointment in Woodburn in 2021, he held the position of Deputy Chief and has extensive experience with the Portland Police Bureau as an Internal Affairs Investigator. Pilcher's career also includes significant tenure with the Elk Grove Police Department in California. He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Norwich University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.

“I am honored and excited to be selected to serve as the Chief of Police for Richland,” said Marty Pilcher. “My goal is to work collaboratively with the community, the department, and other community agencies to ensure that Richland remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. I look forward to meeting with residents and working together to address our community’s needs.”

City Manager Jon Amundson expresses appreciation to Interim Chief Craig Meidl for his exemplary service while in Richland. In addition, he extends his gratitude for the community involvement in the selection process. “I want to thank all candidates who participated in the interviews, as well as those who engaged in the public forum and the staff who facilitated this important process,” said Amundson. “We are thrilled to welcome Martin Pilcher as our new Chief of Police. His extensive experience and commitment to community-oriented policing make him an excellent fit for Richland. We are confident that his leadership will strengthen our police department and enhance our dedication to public safety.”

As part of the onboarding process, a comprehensive review of Pilcher’s professional and personal history was conducted to ensure his suitability for this critical leadership role.

Upon his start date, Chief Pilcher will succeed Interim Chief Craig Meidl, who has effectively led the department since April 2024.

Chief Pilcher will be sworn in by the City Clerk on November 4^th, with a ceremonious swearing in to occur at the November 6^th City Council Meeting.

For more information, please visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/PoliceChief.

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Media Release September 11, 2024

Richland Announces New Chief of Police Pending Background Investigation

Richland, WA - The City Manager of Richland is pleased to announce the selection of Martin Pilcher as the incoming Chief of Police, contingent upon the successful completion of a thorough background investigation in accordance with RCW 43.101.095. Pilcher, a distinguished law enforcement leader with over 20 years of experience, has been chosen to lead the Richland Police Department following a thorough and community-focused selection process.

Pilcher currently serves as the Chief of Police in Woodburn, OR, where he oversees 40 sworn police officers, three Community Service Officers, and 7.5 professional staff members. Prior to becoming the Woodburn Chief in 2021, he served as the Deputy Chief since 2018. Pilcher also worked for the Portland Police Bureau as an Internal Affairs Investigator and spent most of his career with the Elk Grove Police Department in Elk Grove, CA. Pilcher possesses a master’s in organizational leadership from Norwich University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.

“I am honored and excited to be selected to serve as the Chief of Police for Richland,” said Marty Pilcher. “My goal is to work collaboratively with the community, the department, and other city agencies to ensure that Richland remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. I look forward to meeting with residents and working together to address our community’s needs.”

City Manager, Jon Amundson also expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the selection process, stating, "I would like to thank the other candidates who went through the interview process with us. In addition, I extend my appreciation to all those who participated in the public candidate forum, the multiple interview panels, and the staff who assisted with the logistics of this important process,” said Amundson.

“We are excited to welcome Martin Pilcher as our new Chief of Police,” said Amundson. “His extensive experience and dedication to community-oriented policing make him an excellent fit for our city. We are confident that his leadership will continue to strengthen our police department and support our commitment to public safety.”

The background investigation will encompass a comprehensive review of Pilcher’s professional and personal history, ensuring his suitability for this critical leadership role. The process is expected to be completed within six weeks. Upon successful completion of the background investigation, Chief Pilcher will assume the duties of Chief of Police, succeeding Interim Chief, Craig Meidl who served in this capacity since April 2024.

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Media Release August 8, 2024

CITY OF RICHLAND ANNOUNCES THREE FINALISTS FOR POLICE CHIEF

After a comprehensive search, the City of Richland has narrowed its selection for the next Police Chief to three highly qualified finalists: Chris Mills, Buckley, WA; Sean O’Laughlin, Nine Mile Falls, WA; and Martin Pilcher, Oregon City, OR. All three candidates bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to community policing to the position.

Chris Mills serves as a Commander for Kent Police, Kent, WA. He has overseen various units, including Police Investigations, the Special Assault Unit, Special Investigations, the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Valley Special Weapons and Tactics, and the K9 Unit. Commander Mills is an Iraq War Veteran who served as an Infantry Team Leader and Infantry Scout Sniper in the United States Army. Mills possesses a master's in organizational leadership from California Coast University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.

Sean O’Laughlin serves as the Deputy Chief for Eastern Washington University Police in Cheney, WA, managing all field operations, investigations, property and evidence, budget, training, and hiring. He is also the department’s national accreditation manager for the IACLEA accreditation process, resulting in the agency receiving national accreditation. O’Laughlin is an Executive Officer for the United States Coast Guard Reserve responsible for 105 personnel assigned to Port Security Unit 313. He has a master’s in national security and strategic studies from the United States Naval War College and a master’s in executive public administration from the University of Washington. O’Laughlin is a graduate of the FBI National Academy – Session 287.

Martin Pilcher serves as the Chief of Police in Woodburn, OR, where he oversees 40 sworn police officers, three Community Service Officers, and 7.5 professional staff members. Prior to becoming Chief in 2021, he was the Deputy Chief since 2018. Pilcher also worked for the Portland Police Bureau as an Internal Affairs Investigator and spent the majority of his career with the Elk Grove Police Department in Elk Grove, CA. Pilcher possesses a master’s in organizational leadership from Norwich University and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum.

“We are impressed with the caliber of these candidates and have no doubt that any one of them could lead our department with distinction and continue our pursuit of excellence,” said Jon Amundson, City Manager. "Each of our finalists offers a distinct blend of professional backgrounds, leadership styles, and innovative approaches to law enforcement, positioning RPD for a dynamic future."

The candidates under consideration will be introduced at a meet-and-greet event on Wednesday, September 4th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Richland City Hall, 625 Swift Blvd. Richland, WA 99352. That evening, members of the public will have an opportunity to meet the finalists and attend a moderated discussion to learn more about their experience, vision for the police department, and approach to community policing. The City is inviting community members to submit questions that may be included during the moderated discussion.

Final interviews will be conducted on Thursday, September 5th. Candidates will take part in multiple panel interviews, a police department tour, and a city tour. 

The city engaged Mosaic Public Partners to assist in a nationwide executive recruitment and selection process for its new Police Chief. 

The city anticipates making its selection shortly after the interview process. The final selection of the next Police Chief will be contingent upon a successful background investigation consistent with RCW 43.101.095.

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June 2024

The City of Richland is pleased to announce the search for a full-time Chief of Police is open and accepting applications.  The City has partnered with Mosaic Public Partners to assist with a nationwide recruitment effort. Mosaic is a renowned consulting firm specializing in public sector recruitment and organizational development. Their team has completed over 250 executive recruitments, including over 40 successful searches for police executives since 2015. It is anticipated that the recruitment will take place over several months.

The City is committed to providing community members the opportunity to provide feedback on selected finalists once they are identified. To promote transparency, an explanation of the selection process has been included and each step in the process is accompanied by a brief description and a tentative target date. The tentative timeline for this recruitment effort is as follows:

Updated October 31, 2024.