Portland City Council last night voted unanimously to confirm the nomination of Bob Day as Portland Police Chief.
“Chief Day has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and dedication to public service throughout his tenure at the bureau," Mayor Keith Wilson told the council. “His leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and mutual respect... He has worked tirelessly to build trust and collaboration between the police bureau and the diverse community we all serve.”
Day’s law enforcement experience spans three decades. He joined the Portland Police Bureau in 1990 and has served as an officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, precinct commander, assistant chief, and deputy chief. He led multiple assignments and teams within the bureau, including the Training Division, Critical Incident Command, Crowd Management, and the Operations Branch. He was appointed as interim Chief of Police in 2023 and was formally appointed Chief of Police in April 2024.
Under Portland’s new form of government, Mayor Wilson had the option to make a change. He chose to nominate Day instead.
“Having thoroughly reviewed the Chief’s qualifications, I am confident that he possesses the expertise and dedication needed to lead the Portland Police Bureau with distinction,” Wilson said. “Together we can continue to work towards a safer, more just, and inclusive community for all.”
“It is a privilege to serve as the Chief of the Portland Police Bureau," Day said. “Under my direction, PPB has adopted the following goals: transforming the dynamic between police and the people we serve; reducing crime and the fear of crime; and organizational growth and development. We recognize safety, and the feeling of safety is a core value of any community, and we all experience it in our own way. One message has been clear to me: Portlanders want a relationship with their Police Bureau. We desire the same with them. We also know that police cannot solve everything and it’s going to take a collaborative, holistic approach with all of us coming together. I am proud to see PPB leading Portland’s renewal to be a city where everyone can live, work, play and thrive.”
Councilors questioned Day on a range of issues, including police accountability, protests, recruiting more officers from diverse backgrounds, staffing levels, alternative responders to 911 calls, overtime costs and homelessness.
“Portland has the most progressive police force that I’ve ever encountered,” said Councilor Eric Zimmerman. “You’re a product of it and I am excited for you to lead it into its next chapter.”
“We’ve seen you be willing to do things differently and contribute to resolving issues like Portland Street Response, reduction of use of force, clarity of roles among first responders and overtime costs,” said Councilor Sameer Kanal. “Our votes don’t necessarily reflect our views on each and every action the police bureau takes, but on whether Chief Day should remain as chief, so on that I vote yes.”
Day has championed equity issues and implicit bias training as critical components in contemporary policing. He has led difficult but critical conversations regarding race and bias within his department, with other criminal justice leaders and community members.
He has been recognized for his innovative ideas in crime reduction strategies and his commitment to strengthening relationships and communication with community members.
Day earned a Bachelor of Arts in organizational management and leadership from George Fox University. He also earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Clackamas Community College.