The following is a release from the city of Kirkland:
As Kirkland Police Chief Eric Olsen readies for his retirement on Sept. 30, Capt. Bill Hamilton is set to assume the responsibilities of interim police chief starting Oct. 1.
Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett recently announced Hamilton’s appointment. As the operations captain for the Kirkland Police Department (KPD), Hamilton oversees the patrol, traffic and K-9 units and emergency management functions, as well as participating in labor contract negotiations. He has served in this position since 2009 but has worked for KPD since 1990.
“Captain Hamilton has a long history of dedication to the department and the community, served as acting chief, and worked very closely with Chief Olsen and previous chiefs,” said Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett. “As the senior captain, he will provide continuity and stability as the search to find a permanent chief begins.”
Hamilton will serve as Interim Chief until the position is permanently filled. Triplett estimates that the hiring process could take up to six months.
Prior to becoming the operations captain, Hamilton managed the Administrative Services Division. His duties included management of Kirkland’s municipal jail and the 9-1-1 dispatch center when they were located at City Hall, as well as the records and training units. During his career at KPD, he has served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.
Throughout his law enforcement career, Hamilton has been assigned to various specialty teams including the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, SWAT, Dive Team, Gang Unit, and the Crisis Negotiations Team.
“Captain Hamilton has a deep understanding of how policing affects people and this quality has served him well as a Captain and will continue to do the same as he serves as Interim Chief,” said Penny Sweet, Kirkland Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “I am confident of his abilities and look forward to working with him on the Police Strategic Plan.”
The Police Strategic Plan is funded in the 2015-2016 Biennial Budget and will entail a comprehensive review of the Kirkland Police Department’s organization, operations and staffing. The report will evaluate Kirkland’s current and future service levels as they relate to contemporary policing practices, crime trends and community needs and how technology can improve service delivery. The Strategic Plan will span a period of approximately six months.
The process to hire a consultant will begin in October.
Hamilton is a graduate of the Northwestern University of School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI-sponsored Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar at Quantico, Va. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
As chief, Hamilton will oversee the 99 sworn and 36 support personnel who serve in the department’s three divisions: Administrative, Operations, and Professional Standards. For more information about the KPD, go to kirklandwa.gov/police.
