‘Turning the page’: Prineville residents meet new Police Chief Jeff Profio, look forward to changes for the better

(Update: Adding video, comments from Profio, resident, Butcher Block owner)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Tuesday, residents had a chance to stop by Deep Roots Coffee in Prineville during a two-hour coffee to informally meet Jeff Profio, the new police chief.

The City of Prineville announced the new police chief this fall, where he was one of a trio of initial finalists (that were followed by three more before the choice was made). 

"For me, the focus is got, you know, turning the page for this department and moving it forward and putting the past behind us," Profio said Tuesday. "And really looking at ways that we can take that next step and improve the way we police this community, the way we interact with this community and provide the best professional police services that we can for the community."

Profio was announced as the new police chief, after former Prineville Police Chief Larry Seymour and Captain Rob Gray were placed on paid non-disciplinary leave, pending an investigation. 

The city announced back in January that both men had resigned, under a negotiated settlement.  Lieutenant Shane Wilson acted as the officer in charge during the "transitional period."

Profio added, "A new chief coming into the department always is going to have to earn the trust of not only the department and the members of the department, but the community as well."

"So it really has nothing to do with the past, in my opinion. I'm a new chief coming into a department and new person coming into the community."

The owner of the Butcher Block, Jenna Pike, said she is excited for the change. 

"I'm excited, to have the new police chief," she said. "As a business owner, and I've been a citizen here for Prineville the last four years, I'm excited that he's willing to stay open to the public, and willing to hear our input and move forward. Just with the essentially drama that we have had, I'm excited that he's willing to turn a new leaf and, kind of keep the good things in Prineville good."

Another Prineville resident, David Edwards, stopped by to speak with the chief, and is hopeful of the transition. 

"There's a lot in the justice system that needs to change," he said. "I think it starts right here in this community. So hopefully with the change with this guy, it'll be for the good."

If you want to meet with the new police chief, you can meet Profio at another gathering next Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Golden Coffee in Prineville. There will also be another event on Tuesday, January 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the police station.

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Here's the October 23 announcement of Profio's selection:

The City of Prineville announced Wednesday the appointment of longtime veteran San Jose, California police officer Jeff Profio as its new police chief, effective Nov. 18. He was one of a trio of finalists who visited the city for interviews in April -- the first of two rounds of three finalists city officials considered this summer.

Profio was one of three veteran law enforcement officers from Washington and California announced in June as finalists for the position. A week later, the city announced that none would be chosen and in late July named three more finalists to visit the city for consideration.

Former Prineville Police Chief Larry Seymour and Captain Rob Gray resigned this spring under a negotiated settlement, six months after being placed on paid, non-disciplinary leave pending an investigation, the results of which were not released by the city. Lieutenant Shane Wilson has been acting as officer in charge on an interim basis.

"With over 29 years of law enforcement experience, Profio has spent his career dedicated to serving the public and keeping communities safe," the city said in its announcement, which continues in full below.

Jeff Profio began his career as a police officer with the San Jose Police Department in California, where he advanced through the ranks over 24 years. In his leadership roles, he served as a team leader for the SWAT Team, sergeant of the fugitive apprehension team, and commander of special operations teams, including SWAT, bomb squad, canine, and traffic enforcement. He was instrumental in developing department-wide training in procedural justice and implicit bias, cultivating a culture of excellence and accountability.

Profio also served on the San Jose Police Department Chaplaincy board of directors for approximately six years, where he helped provide direction and conducted fundraising events for the program.

Currently, Jeff serves as the second-in-command of a small agency, overseeing day-to-day operations and building a cohesive team. (In its brief biography at the time of his naming as a finalist for the post, the city said Profio currently worked as a lieutenant for the West Valley Mission Community College Police Department near San Jose.)

He has been a POST Master Instructor since 2005, a designation awarded by the state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program, which oversees the training and certification of law enforcement personnel. In this capacity, he has facilitated POST-certified courses that emphasize team building and principled policing, which will be foundational for the Prineville Police Department.

Before entering law enforcement, Jeff worked for five years at the YMCA, where he integrated team building into youth programs. He has since developed and led workshops for non-profits, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector, focusing on a collaborative and human-centered approach to team dynamics.

“Jeff Profio’s extensive experience as a master instructor and his dedication to mentoring and coaching make him an ideal fit for the Prineville Police Department,” said Steve Forrester, City Manager of Prineville. “His accomplishments in building high-performing teams will be instrumental in shaping the future of our department.”

The selection process for the new chief included a national search conducted in collaboration with a third-party firm, as well as community meet-and-greets and interviews with panels of regional public safety professionals, community leaders, and members of the Prineville Police Department. 

“We are excited to welcome Jeff Profio as our new Chief of Police,” Forrester added. “We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our police department and the community as a whole.”