WEST JORDAN, Utah, Oct. 23, 3018 (Gephardt Daily) — West Jordan’s City Council will vote on Wednesday on whether to install candidate Ken Wallentine as the city’s new police chief.
Wallentine has a long list of qualifications, a statement released by the city says.
“He recently served as a special agent for the Utah Attorney General, where he directed the use of force and virtual reality training center and served as the senior advisor for the Officer-Involved Fatality Investigation Team,” a statement from West Jordan City says.
“He is also the chairman of the Peace Officer Merit Commission of Greater Salt Lake County.”
Mayor Jim Riding endorsed Wallentine in a prepared statement.
“Chief Wallentine brings a wealth of experience to West Jordan,” he said. “He is a well-rounded leader who will help mentor our department. I’m confident he will be a great asset to our community.”
Wallentine began his career in law enforcement more than 35 years ago as a police officer and has served in many roles over the years, the statement says.
“He consults nationally on use of force issues and has served as an expert witness in numerous police shootings and deaths associated with police use of force….
“He is a practicing public attorney and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Brigham Young University. As senior legal advisor for Lexipol, he helped craft police operational and risk management policies for over 3,000 public safety agencies. He has also authored many publications and a number of books.”
City Manager David Brickey shared praises.
“Chief Wallentine is a proven leader whose background both in law enforcement and as a prosecutor will benefit our city,” Brickey said.
“He is recognized as a leader both in the state of Utah as well as nationally. He has led the Attorney General’s office investigating serious crimes including internet crimes against children, human trafficking and drug-related offenses. We are fortunate the timing was right for him to join our city.”
Walletine said he is impressed with the police officers of West Jordan.
“In my consulting work, I analyze and evaluate officers across the country – including those from the West Jordan Police Department. West Jordan has been well served by some of the finest officers I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” said Wallentine.
“I have great esteem for and faith in the women and men of the West Jordan Police Department, and I look forward to working with them.”
If approved, as is expected, Wallentine will replace Chief Doug Diamond, who retired in May.
