‘The right fit’: Prineville city leaders comment on Shane Wilson’s appointment to chief of police

(Update: adding video, comments from assistant city manager)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The City of Prineville has named Shane Wilson as its new chief of police, a decision city leaders say brings experience and stability to the department.

Wilson has been with the Prineville Police Department since 2015 and has served in nearly every law enforcement role within the agency, including patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and interim chief.

Assistant City Manager Casey Kaiser said Wilson’s long history with the department and his connection to Prineville made him the right choice for the role.

“He knows the department. He knows the needs of the community. He has great relationships with his team, with the community,” Kaiser said. “He was just the right fit and he was at the right place in his career to be a good fit for our next chief.”

The appointment follows several police leadership transitions in recent years. Kaiser said Wilson’s familiarity with the department and the community is expected to help provide consistency moving forward.

“Shane’s tenure with the department, the amount of time that he’s been with the department and the community, he’s well entrenched here,” Kaiser said. “We think that’s one of the really strong things that Shane brings to the role is stability.”

City officials say public safety needs are also changing as Prineville continues to grow. Kaiser said the department is currently fully staffed on patrol, and the city’s goal is to maintain that position as demand for services evolves.

“Our challenge is just going to be to stay in a really good position as the community grows and those needs evolve and change,” Kaiser said.

Kaiser described Wilson as approachable, humble, and connected to the community, adding that residents may see him at local events such as the Crooked River Round-Up.

City leaders say they are looking forward to Wilson’s leadership both inside the department and throughout the Prineville community.

Earlier Story -- BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The City of Prineville has appointed Shane Wilson as its next Police Chief. His appointment is set to become effective on July 1, 2026.

Wilson has previously held interim leadership roles within the Prineville Police Department, where he oversaw daily operations and services to the community. He joined the department in 2015.

City Manager Steve Forrester praised Wilson's extensive experience. "Since joining the department in 2015, Shane has served in a variety of roles and taken on increasing leadership responsibilities," Forrester said. "He understands our community and has demonstrated the experience and leadership needed to lead the department."

During his tenure with the Prineville Police Department, Wilson has advanced through various positions, including police officer, sergeant, detective sergeant, lieutenant, captain and interim chief. Before joining Prineville, he began his law enforcement career in Southern Oregon as a reserve officer and police officer with the City of Talent.

Wilson has also contributed to the department in specialized capacities, serving as a field training officer, training coordinator, drug recognition expert, background investigator and reserve officer program coordinator. He is an instructor for the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), has completed SWAT school and holds a DPSST management certification.

Wilson, the newly appointed Police Chief, expressed his commitment to the community. "It's a privilege to serve our community," Wilson said. "I look forward to continuing to work alongside our officers and staff as we support and respond to the needs of Prineville."

Wilson's appointment as Police Chief will officially take effect on July 1, 2026.