Vancouver Police Chief To Retire

VANCOUVER, Wa. – The Vancouver Police Chief is calling it a career.

Chief James McElvain was first sworn in as the City’s top cop in 2013.

“I entered law enforcement—in part—to be a change agent, and I feel I’ve accomplished that. As I begin my 36th year in policing, with more than eight years as chief in Vancouver, I find this to be an appropriate time to move aside for new leadership,” Chief McElvain said.

“I’ll be leaving with a hopeful and positive vision for the department. It has truly been an honor and pleasure serving the Vancouver community alongside the men and women of the Vancouver Police Department who work with dedication and passion to keep the City safe and flourishing.”

His last day is June 30th.

The city says it plans to launch a national recruitment to find his successor.

“Chief McElvain has been a strategic and thoughtful leader for the VPD. During the last two years, he has been a steady, compassionate leader through some of the most tumultuous times for policing in a generation. His commitment to working with the community to increase transparency, accountability, and equity while improving police and community relations and reducing police use of force incidents has been exemplary,” said City Manager Eric Holmes.