Indio Police Department hires new Chief of Police

The city of Indio has made a preliminary offer to Michael R. Washburn of the Seattle Police Department to serve as Chief of Police for the Indio Police Department.

City officials said Washburn is a 30-year veteran of law enforcement. He would replace outgoing Chief Richard Twiss, whose retirement is effective Wednesday, June 8, but has agreed to remain on an interim basis until the new chief begins.

Officers said Washburn’s employment is conditional upon passage of an extensive background investigation and successful contract negotiation.

“We conducted a thorough search to identify the best possible candidate to lead our police department,” said Indio City Manager Dan Martinez. “Captain Washburn has risen steadily through the ranks in Seattle and we believe he’s uniquely qualified to succeed Chief Twiss here in Indio. This is another example of our city attracting top talent from throughout the nation.”

Indio officials provided the following background for Captain Washburn:

Washburn began his career with the SPD in 1986 as a patrol officer, then became a Field Training Officer and later as a member of the Anti-Crime Team. In 1993, he was promoted to Sergeant and served as a Community Police Team Supervisor. Washburn was then assigned to the Juvenile Unit before being promoted to Lieutenant/Watch Commander.

In 2003, Washburn served a six-month fellowship with the Department of Justice at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. as the Safe Streets Executive Fellow. In 2005, he was promoted to Captain and served as Precinct Commander for almost five years. He was then assigned to the Investigations Bureau and commanded the Violent Crimes Section, which includes Robbery, Homicide, CSI, and the Gang Unit. From December 2013 through March 2015, he served as an Interim Assistant Chief.

“I am extremely pleased to be joining this highly professional department, which has been lauded for its innovative approaches to policing and community engagement,” Washburn said. “I look forward to helping continue that positive momentum and serving the fine residents of this city.”

Washburn earned a Master’s Degree in the Administration of Justice from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Bachelor of Arts Degrees from Central Washington University in both Law & Justice and Sociology. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University.

Washburn and his wife Kerry have been married for 29 years and have four children.