Residents of the Town of Washington have voted to change how the community selects its police chief, approving a charter amendment that replaces elections with mayoral appointments.
The proposal passed by a vote of 96 to 81 during a local election, marking an important change to the town’s system of government. With the amendment approved, the mayor will now have the authority to appoint the police chief instead of the position being filled through a public vote.
The change updates Washington’s Home Rule Charter, which has guided the town’s local government since 2010. Under the previous rules, the police chief was required to be elected by voters and also had to live within the Town of Washington.
Following the vote, those requirements will no longer apply in the same way. The mayor will be responsible for selecting a police chief, subject to any procedures outlined under the town’s governing laws.
Mayor Dwight Landreneau supported the proposal before the election. He said the amendment would help the town recruit experienced and qualified candidates for the leadership position.
According to the mayor, smaller communities often face challenges when trying to fill important public safety roles through elections. He believes an appointment process gives local leaders greater flexibility to identify candidates with the right training, leadership experience, and professional qualifications.
Supporters of the amendment argued that police departments today face increasingly complex responsibilities. They said selecting a chief based on qualifications rather than election campaigns could strengthen law enforcement leadership and improve public safety services.
Advocates also noted that many municipalities across the United States appoint their police chiefs instead of electing them. They believe appointed chiefs can be chosen through a professional hiring process that focuses on experience, management skills, and law enforcement expertise.
Opponents of the measure favored keeping the office elected. They argued that elections provide direct accountability to residents and allow voters to choose the person responsible for leading the local police department.
The vote was closely contested, with only 15 votes separating supporters and opponents. The narrow result reflected differing opinions within the community about the best way to oversee local law enforcement leadership.
Home rule charters allow municipalities to establish their own structure of local government within the limits of state law. Communities may amend those charters through public votes when local officials or residents believe changes are needed to improve government operations.
The Town of Washington’s charter has remained in place for more than a decade. This amendment represents one of the most significant changes to the town’s governing framework since its adoption.
Local officials are expected to begin implementing the new appointment process following certification of the election results. The mayor will assume responsibility for selecting future police chiefs under the revised charter provisions.
Supporters believe the change will provide greater flexibility in recruiting qualified law enforcement leaders while helping the town respond to future public safety needs. Critics, however, say they will continue to monitor how the appointment system affects transparency and public accountability.
The charter amendment marks a new chapter for the Town of Washington as local leaders prepare to transition from an elected police chief to an appointed leadership model designed to strengthen professional management of the police department.
