MISSOULA — The search for Missoula’s next Chief of Police is officially over.
Mayor John Engen announced Wednesday that Jaeson White, an assistant Chief with the California Highway Patrol, will assume the role in March of 2020.
White, who brings nearly 28 years of law enforcement experience to Missoula’s Police Department, already has some plans for the department’s future.
MTN News talked with White on Wednesday and he said he couldn’t be happier to be coming to Missoula, adding that this is the opportunity of a lifetime.
White hails from northern California where he’s worked for the California Highway Patrol since 1995.
He sees his new role as an opportunity to put his years of experience into motion, making improvements in services and adjusting how the department responds to the community.
White follows the “21st Century Policing Model”, which based on following legitimate policies, ensuring officers are trained and properly equipped, and most importantly, building community trust.
“No one can do policing without the trust of the community, so having that support is absolutely critical, so that’s why we want to collaborate, that’s why we want to have a service-oriented police department that’s out there helping the community and in part that’s how we keep the community safe,” White explained.
White’s appointment as Chief of Police is subject to confirmation by the Missoula City Council pending a background investigation and the meeting of all Montana statutory requirements.
Until White’s tentative start date in March, Captain Mike Colyer will continue serving as interim Chief of Police.
