Chief of Police James ("Jamey") McDonald was appointed as a new leader of the Tigard Police Department in June 2024.

He is a lifelong Oregonian who enjoys playing competitive soccer, playing with his two Golden Retrievers and spending as much time outside as possible. After spending several years working in private business, he decided to act on his calling to serve the community and make a difference and joined the Tigard Police Department as a patrol officer in 2001.

Chief McDonald was promoted to sergeant in 2010, lieutenant in 2014 and commander in 2016. He was named Interim Chief in January 2024 upon the retirement of former Chief Kathy McAlpine, whom he served directly under. Over the years he has held several assignments within the department, including School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, firearms instructor, patrol sergeant, Commercial Crimes Unit supervisor and patrol lieutenant. He has served as the division commander for both the operations and services divisions over the years and is also a founding member of the Tigard Police Honor Guard.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from Eastern Oregon University, an Executive Certification from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and is a graduate of the 266th session of the FBI National Academy. He is active in both the Oregon & International Associations of Chiefs of Police and the FBI National Academy Associates, and is a past president of the Oregon chapter. 

"I consider it an honor and a privilege to continue serving Tigard as your Chief of Police,” Chief McDonald said. “This is not a role I take lightly, and I recognize the responsibility that comes with this position. As your Chief, I will continue to prioritize transparency, engagement and professionalism at all levels within our department, to best serve the needs of our growing community.”

He can be reached at James.McDonald@tigard-or.gov.