Walla Walla announces next police chief

By Dan Thesman on Friday, March 18th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – Chris Buttice has been selected as the next chief of the Walla Walla Police Department. He will begin his new role May 1.

Buttice is a captain with the Walla Walla Police Department, having served with the department since 1997. He began his career as a reserve officer, and in 1999 was hired full time. He has subsequently progressed to the position of Special Teams sergeant in 2011; to Operations-Patrol captain in 2013; and to his current position of Investigations captain in 2019. He has a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Eastern Washington University in Cheney and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He holds an executive-level certificate with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

City Manager Nabiel Shawa said Friday that Buttice’s experience, leadership, and character resulted in him being the top feedback. Public feedback from residents, along with the critical analysis of three city interview panels (residents, law enforcement professionals and city directors) guided the final decision.

Buttice will begin his role as chief following current Chief Scott Bieber’s retirement on April 30.