Camas names new police chief

By Shari Phiel

Columbian staff writer

Following a nationwide search, the city of Camas announced Thursday that Tina M. Jones has been named as the Camas Police Department’s new chief.

While Jones’ position with the city will be effective July 3, the city council will vote to confirm the appointment at its regular meeting Monday.

“It is a great honor to be selected as the next Camas police chief,” Jones said in Thursday’s press release. “I am very excited to join the excellent Camas Police Department team and to serve this fantastic community.”

Jones was one of four finalists brought in for a multi-day interview process that included meeting with the public, the city’s senior leadership team and peer subject matter experts, among others. Jones currently serves as a commander with the Portland Police Bureau. She joined the department in 2001 as an officer. Prior to working with the Portland agency, Jones served as a corrections officer with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office in California.

According to Camas Mayor Steve Hogan, Jones stood out as the clear choice for the role.

“Tina’s background and her commitment to law enforcement really stood out, but her understanding of our community and where we need to grow made her the right choice,” Hogan said in the press release. “While the other candidates were stellar, Tina had everything we need currently, and everything we want for the future of our police department. We’re very excited to see what she’ll bring to Camas.”

Jones replaces Police Chief Mitch Lackey, who is retiring from the city after 32 years of service.

Camas City Council meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday of the month at Camas City Hall, 616 N.E. Fourth Ave. To participate remotely via Zoom, see the agenda published six days before the meeting at https://tinyurl.com/bdharbxn.