West Linn Announces Mahuna as New Police Chief

WEST LINN, OR – November 17, 2021

The City of West Linn is pleased to announce that Peter Mahuna has been selected as West Linn’s Chief of Police.

Mahuna was selected as part of an extensive national recruitment process led by the public safety firm Emergency Services Consulting International and including multiple panel interviews with community members, City leaders, elected officials, police representatives, and regional police and fire leadership. As part of standard practice, an updated background investigation will be conducted.

“I believe Peter Mahuna will lead West Linn’s Police Department into a brighter future,” City Manager Jerry Gabrielatos said, “I want to thank all those in the community that were involved in this process for sharing their time and perspectives. Mahuna has an impressive resume and has proven he can build community relationships and restore confidence in the West Linn Police Department through improved transparency and police practices. He is sensitive to the needs of the community and the modern day challenges of the profession.”

Mahuna has nearly 30 years of experience serving the public in police work, most recently leading West Linn’s Police Department as a Captain since 2018 and as Acting Chief since April 2020. He began his career with the Portland Police Bureau in 1992 and retired in 2018 as the Captain of the Drugs and Vice Division. Mahuna’s well-rounded career included supervisory assignments in the Operations, Investigations and Services Branches. 

Mahuna holds an Executive Certificate from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Peter also completed the Organizational Leadership Academy and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police hosted by the Police Executive Research Forum. Peter also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Pacific University.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen as West Linn’s Police Chief,” stated Mahuna, “this Department’s success is dependent on the great staff that work here and I am excited to be leading them through the opportunities and challenges that the job presents. I am proud of the partnerships we have with the community and will do everything in my power to lead this Department and community safely together into the future.”

Details on a swearing in ceremony will be announced at a later date.

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