Cummins to be Prineville’s new police chief

Prineville police Capt. Dale Cummins will be sworn in next March 1 as the new Prineville police chief, succeeding Les Stiles, the city announced Tuesday.

In August 2014, former Deschutes County sheriff Les Stiles was chosen to serve as interim police chief in the wake of Eric Bush’s tumultuous departure.

Stiles was tasked with a number of assignments, the city said, one of which included assisting in selecting his full-time replacement.

Last December, a selection process was conducted to fill the existing vacancy for the department’s police captain position. It included areas of assessment that would be similar to those used in selecting a new police chief.

Cummins, previously deputy chief with the Gresham Police Department, was
selected. He began his new duties April 1.

“In his first six months, it was obvious that Captain Cummins had all the experience, skills and attributes that the City of Prineville was seeking in it’s next police chief,” Tuesday’s announcement said.

City Manager Steve Forrester said, “It’s very clear to both me and Chief Stiles that Dale Cummins has the experience, personality and people skills necessary to lead the Prineville Police Department. We’re fortunate to have such a fine professional, one that not only loves his job but also loves living here in Prineville.”

Stiles will be leaving his interim position on Feb. 29. In the meantime, he will be
completing two assignments that were initiated when he started – updating the department’s accreditation and completing a study on the future of Crook County’s 911 system.

The department has already started the process of filling the planned opening for captain and will complete that selection in October, officials said. A vacancy for a sergeant is also anticipated and steps to fill that position will occur during November.

Also, between November and January, a list will be established to fill anticipated police officer vacancies.