PORT TOWNSEND — After almost a year as Port Townsend’s interim police chief, Michael Evans has been promoted to the permanent post.
“What Chief Evans brings to us is a proven track record and commitment to community-based guidance within the department,” City Manager David Timmons said in a news release.
“Since stepping up as interim chief, he has shown me that he is the right person to serve this community and lead the department.”
Evans, 48, took on the interim chief title when Chief Conner Daily took a leave of absence in April 2015 that continued when Daily retired July 1.
Evans earned an annual salary of $95,000 in the interim position. That has been increased to $105,000 a year.
Daily now works as a clerk in a Port Townsend pet store “where I’ve never been happier,” he said last month.
Evans said the gold shield won’t change how he does his job.
“I will continue on the same course,” he said.
“As interim chief, I did the best I could every day.
“That will be the same, but I’ll be able to do a little more long-range planning.”
The first priority is to bring the department to full strength and fill three current vacancies, he said.
“In a department of 15 people, anytime you bring in a new personality, there will be some change,” he said.
“Everyone brings their own perspective.”
He said he’s impressed by the candidates graduating from the police academy, saying they have an orientation toward community policing.
“The candidates I’ve seen want to get into policing to help people and make a difference,” Evans said.
“They want to improve the quality of life and are not trying to be the ‘Hollywood’ version of a cop, driving fast and shooting.”
Police will always have the same tools, a patrol car and a sidearm, “but a big part of policing is just getting out there,” Evans said.
Among the issues facing police are people suffering from mental illness; about 500 mental-health-related calls occur every year, he said.
Police are now trained to understand the situation and are working with other agencies — Jefferson Mental Health and East Jefferson Fire-Rescue — to pitch in when needed.
“We have several community agencies working together, but it’s really hard when there is no money for treatment,” he said.
“Maybe we’ll get a little more out of this legislative session.”
The Port Townsend Police Department is one of several city agencies and nonprofits located at Mountain View Commons at 1919 Blaine St., which once was a school campus.
Upon his promotion, Evans moved into what had been the principal’s office.
Evans was hired as a patrol officer in August 2000. He has worked as a detective, sergeant and assistant chief.
He said he knew Port Townsend would be his permanent home as soon as he saw it.
“When we came over the hill on Sims Way, I saw the city limits for the first time and saw the water. I knew,” he said.
“I saw the water below it and the mountains behind it. It was like walking into a postcard.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.