Chief Thomas Biography  

Chief of Police Ken Thomas was promoted to Chief on January 21, 2011. He has been with the Kent Police Department since 1989 and has a history of innovative leadership and community outreach. He previously served as Captain of the Patrol Division.  As an Officer and Sergeant he held various assignments within the agency including Patrol, Administrative Officer, Narcotics Detective, and Supervisor of the Major Crimes Detective Unit. As a Patrol Lieutenant, Ken supervised the Neighborhood Response Team, the Special Investigations Unit (Gangs, Narcotics, and ProAct), the Special Operations Unit (bikes and marine patrol), the Field Training Officer program, Crime Analysis, and was Commander of the SWAT team.  Thomas is credited with leading Kent’s Community Oriented Policing Unit that has resulted in reduced residential burglaries and auto thefts. 

 

Ken holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Washington University in Law and Justice and a Master of Science in Organizational Development.  He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Senior Management Institute for Policing, a program sponsored by the Police Executive Research Forum. Ken holds his Middle Management Certification through the WA State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Ken is involved in several areas outside the operations of the police department. He is a member of the Kent Sunrise Rotary Club and actively volunteers for opportunities ranging from Special Olympics to involvement at the Kent Senior Center.   
 

“I’m honored to be chosen for this position. I will do everything in my power to make Kent the safest city in the region. I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor and City Council, and every member of this great department, just as I’m looking forward to working with the community as a true partner in public safety.”

 

Chief Thomas can be contacted at kthomas@kentwa.gov.