I am pleased to announce that I have added Mike Wagers to my staff as SPD’s Chief Operating Officer. Mike will oversee the Patrol Support Bureau, Administrative Services, Information Technology, Human Resources and Public Affairs. Mike most recently worked for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as the Director of Law Enforcement Operations and Support. Mike has also served as the executive director of the Police Institute at Rutgers, and assistant professor at The Citadel. He also worked for BAE Systems in the information solutions sector. He has consulted with police departments across the country, including Los Angeles, Denver, and Milwaukee police departments. Mike received his Ph.D. from Rutgers.
I would also like to announce that Mike Fields will be serving as the Interim Human Resources Director. Mike served as SPD’s Employment Risk Manager within the Human Resources Section from 2002 until 2004, providing guidance on legal and personnel issues. From 2004 until the present time Mike was the City’s Labor Negotiator, negotiating all Seattle Police Department collective bargaining agreements.
Mike Wagers and Mike Fields will begin their work immediately.
I promised Mayor Ed Murray, the Seattle City Council, and the Selection Committee that I would bring best business practices to the Seattle Police Department. I believe bringing in both Mike Wagers and Mike Fields is a great first step in that direction. I’m also drafting some changes in the bureau structure and corresponding bureau assignments. I recognize that there are rumors circulating, however nothing is final until my official announcement, which I expect to make in the coming weeks. Please join me in welcoming Mike Wagers and Mike Fields to the Seattle Police Department.