There will soon be a changing of the guard at the Oregon City Police Department as Chief Jim Band retires from a multi-decade career with the agency, with ten of those years being in that top position, and Captain Shaun Davis being promoted to Police Chief effective August 17. 

“Jim has been a leader not just in the department, but the entire community, and he will definitely be missed,” said City Manager Tony Konkol. “His years of experience combined with his dedication to ensuring that the department continually leads the way in law enforcement standards has resulted in many of the OCPD’s policies and programs serving as models for other agencies in the region to follow.”

It’s that dedication to accountability, service, and innovation that Chief Band says has resulted in many of his proudest accomplishments during his tenure.

“It took a number of years, but we deliberately changed the culture of this department.  To ensure that we continued operating at this level, we have done significant succession planning with the leaders and future leaders of this police department.”

Another milestone that Band is proud of is the recent construction of the Libke Public Safety Center, the funding for which was approved by Oregon City voters in 2017. 

“You don’t get approval for a bond measure like that without support from the community. Likewise, you don’t get that support without a department that exemplifies the best principles in public service,” he said. 

While officials say Band’s presence in the City will be missed, there won’t be a vacuum left by his retirement, as Captain Shaun Davis is set to take the helm of the department.

“Shaun has been integral to the culture of OCPD and has been preparing for this role his entire career,” said Chief Band.

Like his predecessor, Captain Davis has been with the department since 1998. An Oregon City resident, he said he is proud to be able to continue Chief Band’s work in ensuring the department is at the forefront of policing.

“It is an honor and a privilege for me to be selected as your next police chief.  We have the very best officers and support staff who are dedicated to serving our great community and who take pride in everything they do. I am excited to lead our department into the future.”

Ready to hit the ground running, Capt. Davis has already identified priorities that he will focus on when he starts.

“Continuing to provide a high level of service and maintaining a safe community will always be our top priority.  To maintain this service, recruitment and retention of officers and continuing to foster and build our relationships with our community will be a high priority.”

In his time with the department, Capt. Davis has earned the respect and confidence of City management and elected officials alike.

“It was quickly clear that Capt. Davis is the best candidate for the role,” said Konkol. “His dedication to serving Oregon City residents, leadership within the department, and focus on the diversity, equity and inclusion goals identified by the Commissioners demonstrates that Capt. Davis is prepared to be the next Chief of Police for the City of Oregon City.”

Elected officials echoed his statements, all showing their support for Capt. Davis moving forward and their appreciation for Chief Band’s efforts and achievements. 

“It is going to be bittersweet for me to say goodbye and acknowledge that Chief James Band is retiring. I have been working with him for over 15 years and if there is one word that describes his commitment to the job – it’s Community,” said Mayor Denyse McGriff. 

“I am looking forward to working with Shaun Davis,” she continued. “Over the last few months we have been meeting to continue our working relationship, and he too is community focused. I have every confidence in Captain Davis to continue to guide the OCPD with the same focus as his predecessor.”

Commissioner Michael Mitchell agreed.

“Captain Davis has some very big shoes to fill when it comes to replacing Chief Band. The Chief has been a driving force in the Community and a true leader, ensuring that Oregon City has the best police department possible. With that said, I have every confidence in Capt. Davis, as he has shown himself every bit the strong leader that his predecessor has been. I look forward to seeing the department under his leadership,” said Commissioner Mitchell. 

Chief Band’s final day with the City will be Thursday, Aug 17. Residents will get the chance to say “farewell” while meeting the incoming Chief at an open house to be held at the Libke Public Safety Building. Chief Band will reflect the last 20 years of changes in the department, while Capt. Davis will share his thoughts on the immediate and future priorities for the agency’s continued high level of service to the community. 

The public is invited to the event, which will take place Tuesday, June 27 from 6 – 7:30 pm.