State law-enforcement vet to take over as police chief of West Jordan

Longtime state lawman Ken Wallentine has been picked to be the West Jordan Police chief.

City Manager David Brickey proposed the 35-year veteran for the post and the City Council approved the appointment 6-0 Wednesday night.

Wallentine’s career began in 1982 as a police officer in the city of Provo. Most recently, he served as a special agent for the Utah attorney general’s office directing a training center for use of force using virtual reality technology.

During his career, he has served as bureau chief at the Peace Officers Standards and Training agency within the Utah Department of Public Safety and chief of law enforcement for the Utah A.G.’s office.

In addition to his law-enforcement experience, he is a practicing public attorney. He consults nationally on use of force and has served as an expert witness in numerous police shootings.

“Chief Wallentine is a proven leader whose background both in law enforcement and as a prosecutor will benefit our city. He is recognized as a leader both in the state of Utah as well as nationally,” said West Jordan City Manager David Brickey, who picked Wallentine from a pool of local candidates. “We are fortunate the timing was right for him to join our city.”

Mayor Jim Riding praised Wallentine as “a well-rounded leader who will help mentor our department” and said he “brings a wealth of experience.”

Wallentine replaces interim Chief Richard Davis, who has led the city’s 113 officers since May when Chief Doug Diamond retired. The city is the fourth-largest in the state, with some 114,000 residents.