Yakima Welcomes Interim Police Chief: Capt. Shawn Boyle Takes the Reins

Yakima now has an interim Police Chief after Chief Matt Murray officially retired on June 30. He's now a candidate for the Spokane Police Department's Chief position.

THE CITY HAS NEW INTERIM CHIEF THAT STARTS THE JOB MONDAY, JULY 1

Yakima Police Capt. Shawn Boyle is now serving at the interim chief while the Yakima City Council starts a search for the person to replace Murray.
Boyle has been behind the badge in Yakima since 1996 when he was hired as a corrections officer for the Yakima Police Department. He became a Yakima Police Officer in 1997.

BOYLE HAS THE BACKING OF CITY OFFICIALS

A city press release says Boyle was again promoted in 2007 to the position of sergeant.  In 2015, Boyle was promoted to lieutenant.  Boyle was promoted to captain in 2019.
“Captain Boyle has an outstanding record as a law enforcement professional and has continually demonstrated his leadership abilities throughout his career,” says interim City Manager Dave Zabell.  “I am confident he will apply his significant experience to his role as interim chief.” Boyle's law enforcement career started in the military as a US Army Military Police Officer in 1991.

BOYLE HAS BEEN ON THE MOVE AND BUSY SINCE THE BEGINNING

City officials say Boyle is busy as a member, assistant team leader, team leader, and team commander of the regional SWAT tactical team.  "He also has served as a law enforcement liaison to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.  Boyle has led numerous training programs for law enforcement professionals throughout his career.
In his role as YPD captain, Boyle has been the commander of the department’s Criminal Investigations Division and the operations chief of the Yakima Valley Special Investigations Unit."