Amid bleak outlook for Tenino police force, Sheriff’s Office takes over
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office largely took over policing services for the city of Tenino Monday amid uncertainty for the local police department.
“As I stated before, Tenino cannot go without policing services, which is why we need a short-term bridge while we continue to work on the final product,” Sheriff Derek Sanders shared in a Sunday Facebook post.
Tenino Mayor Dave Watterson proposed closing the Tenino Police Department last month to help address the city’s bleak financial outlook, The Olympian previously reported. Watterson estimated the move will save the city about $347,000 a year. The Tenino City Council has yet to make a final decision on the proposal. However, recent personnel departures prompted Sanders to act.
“The decision to move quickly on this issue arises from the fact that Tenino PD does not have a supervising officer actively working any longer, raising questions about liability and supervisory oversight,” Sanders said. “This move may feel abrupt, but it is being made to ensure that the City of Tenino, Thurston County, our employees, and our residents are set being set up for success moving forward.”
Sheriff’s Office deputies will respond to all levels of policing services, including priority 911 calls, for Tenino residents from Monday onward, Sanders said.
The Tenino Police Department recently had three officers and a clerk overseen by a chief. Sanders said there are just two remaining officers.
The remaining two will continue serving as school resource officers to fulfill a contract with the Tenino School District, he said.
The Sheriff’s Office is drafting a contract to provide Tenino with policing services for six months, Sanders said. This contract will buy the city time while they work on a long-term solution, he added.
The Tenino City Council is expected to meet at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 and 28, according to the city website.
The Board of County Commissioners will have to approve any contract with the city once it’s ready.
The board is on a spring break from April 6-10, according to the county calendar. The next board business meeting is scheduled for April 21.
This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 11:03 AM.
