A Message from our Chief - Ted Boe, Chief of Police
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Dear Residents of Des
Moines,
I’m thrilled to
introduce myself as your new Police Chief! It’s an honor to step into this
role, and I can’t wait to work together to make our community even better.
A Little About Me
I grew up in a small
town in Wisconsin before moving to Federal Way during middle school. After
graduating from Federal Way High School, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in
Business Administration from the University of Washington. Later, I pursued a
Master’s Degree at the Naval Postgraduate School, focusing my thesis on
procedural justice in police hiring and training. (Yes, it sounds fancy, but
trust me, it’s all about fairness and transparency!) I’ve been happily married to
my wife, Marci, for 27 years—she’s an amazing elementary school librarian! We
have two teenage daughters, Harley and Amelia, who keep life lively and fun.
I’m eager to connect with all of you and hear your ideas on how we can work
together to keep Des Moines a safe and welcoming place.
My Law Enforcement
Journey
With 24 years in law
enforcement, my career began as a sheriff’s deputy in rural areas east of
Redmond. I’ve taken on various roles—field training officer, patrol sergeant,
operations captain, and more—before serving as Police Chief in Burien for six
years. Now, I’m excited to bring my experience to Des Moines!
Policing Philosophy
I believe that the most
effective and efficient police departments are those that focus on alignment
with their community. A famous idealist in early policing once stated, “the
police are the public and the public are the police.” To me, this means we have
to listen in order to understand, partner in order to increase effectiveness,
and take action to demonstrate our commitment to addressing illegal behaviors.
Des Moines Police
Department’s Commitment
The Des Moines Police
Department is filled with dedicated professionals who are passionate about
serving our community. Together, we are unwavering in our commitment to:
-
Fighting Crime: We employ innovative and evidence-based strategies to
combat crime in our neighborhoods. By leveraging advanced technology, data
analysis, and community policing, we strive to proactively address issues
before they escalate. Our officers are trained not only to respond to incidents
but also to engage with community members, understand their concerns, and
collaboratively develop solutions that enhance safety for everyone.
-
Building Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of effective policing. We are
committed to fostering open communication and transparency with the citizens we
serve. Regular community forums, open-door policies, and ongoing outreach
initiatives are just a few ways we encourage dialogue. By sharing information
about our operations and seeking feedback from residents, we aim to strengthen
the bond between the police department and the community, ensuring that
everyone feels heard and valued.
-
Supporting Each Other: A strong police force is built on teamwork and
mutual support. Our department emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and
resilience among our officers. By investing in comprehensive training, wellness
programs, and professional development, we ensure that every member of our team
is equipped to perform at their best. This cohesive environment not only
enhances our ability to serve effectively but also promotes a positive
workplace culture that ultimately benefits the entire community.
Through these
commitments, we aim to create a safer, more inclusive Des Moines—where every
resident can feel secure and connected to their police department.
Here’s to a bright
future ahead!
Warm regards,
Chief Ted Boe
Des Moines Police
Department