(Photo above: Cpt. Dale Cummins | photo courtesy of City of Prineville)
On August 11, 2014 the City of Prineville selected Les Stiles, former Deschutes County Sheriff, to become the Interim Police Chief for the Prineville Police Department. Stiles was tasked with a number of assignments, one of which included assisting in selecting his full-time replacement.
In December of 2014 a selection process was conducted to fill the existing vacancy for the Police Captain position within the Department. The selection process included areas of assessment that would be similar to those used in selecting a new Police Chief.
Dale Cummins, previously the Deputy Chief with the Gresham Oregon Police Department, was selected. Cummins began working as the Captain with the Prineville Police Department on April 1, 2015. In his first six months it was obvious that Captain Cummins had all the experience, skills, and attributes that the City of Prineville was seeking in its next Police Chief.
“It’s very clear to both me and Chief Stiles that Dale Cummins has the experience, personality, and people skills necessary to lead the Prineville Police Department. We’re fortunate to have such a fine professional, one that not only loves his job but also loves living here in Prineville,” said Prineville City Manager Steve Forrester.
Les Stiles will be leaving his position on February 29, 2016. In the interim Stiles will be
completing two assignments that were initiated when he started – updating the department’s accreditation and completing a study on the future of Crook County’s 911 system. Captain Cummins will be sworn in as Chief of Police of the Prineville Police Department on March 1, 2016.
The department has already started the process of filling the planned opening for Captain and will complete that selection within the month of October 2015. A vacancy for a Sergeant is also anticipated and steps to fill that position will occur during November of 2015. Additionally, between November 2015 and January 2016 a list will be established to fill anticipated Police Officer vacancies.
