City Appoints Bend Police Chief Jim Porter to Permanent Position

City Manager Eric King announced today that he appointed interim Police Chief Jim Porter to a permanent position as head of the Bend Police Department. Porter stepped into the interim role after the firing of former Chief Jeff Sale, who was removed from his position following the sex scandal involving then Public Information Officer Lt. Chris Carney. 

“Upon meeting with community partners and members of the police department it became clear that Jim was the right person for the job,” King said in a release. “It’s important to me and the community that the positive momentum that Jim has built in the department over the past six months continue.”

Porter added that, after 23 years in the department, he looks forward to leading 112 sworn police officers, community service officers and civilian personnel and expanding service to the community.

"We, as a department, are dedicated to setting an even more successful path which will encompass a higher level of community policing and expanded service to the citizens of Bend," Porter said in the release. "Our goal is to improve the high quality of livability currently enjoyed by our community.”

According to King, the decision to formalize Porter's position as chief will bring stability to the force.

“This decision removes any uncertainty about the direction of the police department,” King said. “I plan on staying actively engaged with the department and look forward to working with Chief Porter on what the future of Bend Police will look like."