City Of Salem Announces Retirement Of Police Chief Trevor Womack (Photo) - 03/10/26
Salem, Ore. – Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi today announced the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Trevor Womack.
After over 34 years in law enforcement and more than five years serving the Salem community, Chief Womack informed me of his decision to retire as chief of police, effective May 22, 2026.
Chief Womack joined the Salem Police Department in December 2020 during a time of significant pressure and uncertainty for law enforcement and our community. His leadership through challenges and opportunities has laid a solid foundation for the agency's future.
One of Chief Womack’s signature achievements has been leading the development and execution of the department’s first public strategic plan, which set clear goals to enhance community safety, build police-community trust, and strive for excellence.
Under his leadership, the department has:
- Improved efficiencies and effectiveness through data-driven decision-making and increased transparency
- Implemented the department’s first body-worn camera program, improving criminal investigations, increasing accountability, and enhancing public trust
- Focused on violence reduction and collaborative partnerships with an array of stakeholders, including criminal justice agencies and community-based organizations
- Enhanced coordination between police, social services, and non-profit partners to better support individuals experiencing homelessness and those in crisis
These accomplishments reflect significant progress toward the department’s goals and demonstrate a commitment to modern, community-focused policing.
Like many departments across the country, Salem has faced ongoing staffing challenges. Chief Womack worked diligently to maintain essential public safety services while advocating for resources to support officers and the community.
Throughout his tenure, Chief Womack emphasized effective communications, internally and with the community. His commitment to open communication with the public and the media meant regularly sharing departmental information and directly addressing difficult or unexpected questions. Beyond public communication, his leadership was characterized by active listening, seeking input, and fostering collaboration throughout the department.
“On a personal note, I have greatly appreciated Chief Womack’s analytical approach and intellectual curiosity. Every conversation with him yielded thoughtful suggestions and new ways to serve our community,” said City Manager Namburi. Regarding his leadership, she added, “He embraced the City of Salem, this community, and his staff, making Salem his home and always striving to build trust and do what is right for the community. He has been a strong team member and leader in our Leadership Team and One City approach, particularly during the development of the Safe, Clean, Healthy Salem initiative, where his enterprise-wide solutions were invaluable. I will miss these conversations and his thoughtful leadership and partnership.”
Of his retirement, Chief Womack noted, “Serving this department and community has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Salem welcomed me from day one, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together: stronger partnerships, a clear strategic direction, and a department committed to safety, trust, and excellence in everything we do.”
To ensure continuity and stability in the department, Assistant Chief Brandon Ditto will serve as interim police chief for at least six months following Chief Womack’s retirement. During this time, we will assess the needs of the Salem Police Department and the community to determine the most appropriate path forward for permanent leadership.
“Please join me in thanking Chief Womack for his service, leadership, and dedication to Salem, and in wishing him the very best in his retirement,” concluded the city manager.
