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The New Era Of Policing: 5 Key Facts About The Wenatchee Police Department Under Chief Reinfeld

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The City of Wenatchee Police Department (WPD) is currently navigating a significant leadership transition and a renewed focus on community-centric policing, making it a critical time for public safety in Chelan County. As of late 2025, the department is led by a new Chief of Police who has deep roots in the community and a clear vision for integrating public safety with social services.

This article provides the most current and essential facts about the WPD, detailing its structure, its key personnel, and the latest crime data projections that are shaping its operational strategies for the coming year. The department's commitment to core values—Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Courage—is at the forefront of its mission to reduce crime and the fear of crime in the Wenatchee valley.

Chief Edgar Reinfeld: Biography and Dual Leadership Role

The Wenatchee Police Department is under new leadership following the appointment of a long-time veteran to the top post. Captain Edgar Reinfeld was officially appointed by Mayor Mike Poirier as the City of Wenatchee's Chief of Police on January 15, 2025.

In a further significant development, Chief Reinfeld was also appointed to serve as the Interim City Administrator in August 2025, giving him a dual leadership role that connects the Police Department directly to the broader city administration.

  • Full Name: Edgar Reinfeld
  • Current Titles: Chief of Police, Interim City Administrator
  • Appointment Date (Chief): January 15, 2025
  • Hometown: Wenatchee Native
  • WPD Commissioned Officer Since: 2004
  • Prior City Service: Worked as a water utility worker for the City of Wenatchee before returning to the Police Department
  • Key Prior Roles within WPD: Patrol Officer, Traffic Officer, SWAT Team member, Police Training Officer, Bike Officer, and Detective
  • Leadership Philosophy: Known for his "Failure Fuels Growth" philosophy, emphasizing learning and continuous improvement within the department

Chief Reinfeld’s extensive background, having served in nearly every capacity from Bike Officer to Detective, provides a comprehensive operational understanding that is now guiding the department’s strategy.

WPD Structure, Staffing, and Core Divisions

The Wenatchee Police Department operates as a full-service law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting the city's residents and businesses. Its structure is built around its personnel and specialized divisions that address the diverse needs of the community.

Staffing and Personnel

The department maintains a substantial presence to ensure 24/7 coverage across the city. The WPD currently employs 45 sworn police officers, who are the primary responders and law enforcement personnel.

In addition to the officers, the WPD relies on 12 civilian employees, who are crucial for support functions, including the essential Records Division.

The Patrol Division

The Patrol Division is the backbone of the WPD, providing services to citizens every day of the year. This division is staffed by 24 officers who are responsible for immediate response, traffic enforcement, and proactive patrol activities across Wenatchee.

The Investigations Division

The Investigations Division handles all major criminal cases that require extended follow-up and specialized expertise. Detectives in this division focus on a wide range of complex crimes, including:

  • Property Crimes (Residential and commercial burglaries, thefts)
  • Fraud (Forgery, embezzlement, extortion, and UIBC)
  • Internet Crimes

2025 Crime Data and Public Safety Outlook

Understanding the current crime landscape is vital for assessing the WPD’s operational priorities. Recent projections for 2025 indicate a moderate risk safety level for Wenatchee, WA.

The overall crime rate in the city is reported to be 29.5% higher than the national average, which drives the department’s goal to actively reduce crime and the public’s fear of it.

Key crime statistics and projections for 2025 include:

  • Total Projected Cost of Crime: Approximately $7,138,690 for 2025, which translates to a significant per-resident cost.
  • Total Incidents: Recent data indicates a total of 322 incidents, including 51 classified as severe.
  • Violent Crimes: There were 85 violent crimes reported, equivalent to a rate of 2.15 per 1,000 residents.

These figures underscore the importance of the WPD's strategic focus on community partnership and targeted enforcement to improve safety outcomes for all residents of the Wenatchee valley.

Innovative Community Engagement and Partnerships

The Wenatchee Police Department recognizes that effective long-term solutions to crime and social issues require strong community partnerships. The WPD actively participates in several key initiatives designed to build trust and address root causes of crime.

The Citizens Academy

The WPD’s Citizens Academy is a cornerstone of its community outreach. This program is designed to foster a dialogue with the community, allowing residents to gain a deeper understanding of police procedures, challenges, and the daily operations of law enforcement. The Academy helps build transparency and mutual respect between officers and the public.

Behavioral Health and Social Services Task Force

In a progressive move, the WPD is heavily involved in a regional task force that focuses on new approaches to improve behavioral health and social services. The department contributes a supervisor and two officers to this task force, demonstrating a commitment to addressing issues like homelessness, mental health crises, and addiction through non-enforcement solutions when appropriate.

Sage Advocacy Center Partnership

Recognizing the critical need for support for crime victims, the WPD was instrumental in the creation and continued support of the Sage Advocacy Center. This partnership provides essential resources, including a 24-hour crisis line, crime victims trauma assistance, and family support services, particularly for victims of sexual assault.

These initiatives, driven by the department’s core values of Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Courage, showcase the WPD’s dedication to being a recognized leader in public safety within the region and beyond.

The New Era of Policing: 5 Key Facts About the Wenatchee Police Department Under Chief Reinfeld
city of wenatchee police department
city of wenatchee police department

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