By City of Lynnwood | Press Release

Editors Note: The vote to approve Nelson by the Lynnwood City Council is scheduled for the August 10 Business Meeting.

Mayor Nicola Smith has selected Deputy Chief Jim Nelson to serve as Lynnwood’s next Chief of Police after the retirement of Chief Tom Davis at the end of this month.

Current Deputy Chief Jim Nelson has spent his entire law enforcement career at the Lynnwood Police Department, beginning as a Patrol Officer on August 1st, 1993. Exactly 28 years later to the day, on August 1st, 2020, he will assume the role of Interim Chief of Police.

Between then and now he’s held many ranks and had many assignments with the LPD, including Detective Sergeant, Sergeant with the South Snohomish County Narcotics Task Force, Commander of Investigations, Commander of the Detention Division/Municipal Jail, and he has been serving as one of the department’s two Deputy Police Chiefs since 2016.

Deputy Chief Jim Nelson has successfully led both operations and administrative sides of the department throughout his tenure, and he has a great understanding of the diverse LPD units. “He is respected and trusted by the employees of LPD and other City Departments and he is committed to our City and our community members,” stated Mayor Nicola Smith. “We are fortunate to have someone who is ready, willing, and qualified to take over the helm and move us closer to our goal of being a safe, welcoming and inclusive City.”

Deputy Chief Nelson is a Washington State University alum and holds a Master’s of Public Administration Degree from the University of Nebraska. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, holds a Certificate in Forensics from the University of Washington, and is a proud former US Marine.

Outside of work, Deputy Chief Nelson is an avid outdoor enthusiast and lover of the Pacific Northwest; he backpacks, hikes, fishes, skis and enjoys time with his wife, two young daughters and adult son.

“I am excited to continue serving my community, the City, and the excellent men and women of the Lynnwood Police Department as the next Chief of Police,” Nelson says.  “Over nearly three decades I have had the opportunity to help build strong relationships with our diverse community, and I look forward to continuing to find innovative ways to develop trust between our officers and the people who depend on us so that we may provide them with the best public safety service possible.” Jim Nelson will commence his service as the Interim Chief of Police on August 1st. On August 10th, Mayor Smith will bring forward her formal appointment for City Council’s final confirmation.