Renton Confirms Jon Schuldt As Permanent Police Chief

RENTON, WA — Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone's appointment of a new, permanent police chief sailed through city council on a unanimous vote this week, confirming interim chief Jon Schuldt will continue in his role.

Schuldt joined the police department as an officer in 1995 and moved into the K-9 unit four years later. He was promoted to sergeant in 2006, and in 2011 was assigned as a supervisor of the city's special enforcement team. Schuldt became a commander in 2014, the deputy chief in 2018, and has been serving as chief since December 2020.

"Chief Schuldt has spent many years serving the Renton community and has built relationships with community leaders and members as both a patrol officer and as a member of the command staff," Pavone said in a statement. "During his time as the interim chief, he's initiated several training programs and a community-focused approach that benefits both our residents and his officers."

In a news release, city officials credit Schuldt with standing up seven key initiatives:

• Mental Health Program Navigator: In partnership with South King County cities, and with the assistance of HB1590 funds, the police department has established a program combining a mental health navigator with a police officer to help address mental health issues in our community.
• Body Worn Cameras: The department is in the process of implementing Renton’s first body-worn camera program.
• Chief’s Advisory Board: The board will bring community members into discussing how the department will communicate, train, and partner with the community to enforce the law. The steering committee has recently met.
• Operation Safe Place: An idea first suggested by the Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force and started under the direction of Chief Schuldt. The program registers businesses, corporations, social service organizations, schools and government agencies. It helps them become an area where victims of hate crimes can receive assistance.
• Active legislation and policy change: This year, the state legislature passed several police-related pieces of legislation; the department quickly adopted and adapted and provided immediate training to ensure compliance with the new laws.
• Use of less-lethal methods: Renton police utilize a state-of-the-art virtual trainer to decrease the use of force. Renton officers annually have one of the lowest use of force applications than many other South King County cities.
• Hiring diversity: Over the past year, 45% of hires have been people of color.

"I am very humbled and appreciative of the mayor and council's confidence in my ability to serve as your police chief," Schuldt said. "It's been my honor and privilege to serve our community and work with an outstanding department for the past 26 years. As your chief, I will continue to build confidence between our community and our police department."