Jason West, who has been acting Rockville City Police Chief for seven months, was named the next police chief, effective Wednesday, according to Rockville City Manager Jeff Mihelich.
West replaces Chief Victor Brito, who resigned in October of 2024.
“We selected Interim Chief West to be the permanent police chief following a national search and an intensive interview process,” Mihelich said.
“Under his leadership as the interim chief, he has transformed the department and proven his dedication to the profession and his ability to build trust with officers, professional staff, command staff, the city’s leadership team and the broader community. Chief West is a consummate professional with admirable leadership qualities, high integrity, empathy and compassion.”
West is a 25-year police veteran and has served with the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) for eight years. He previously was the department’s public information officer and has commanded patrol operations, the Special Operations Division and the Field Services Bureau.
“I am blessed to have been selected to lead the Rockville City Police Department into the future,” West said. “The sworn and professional staff of the RCPD are true professionals. Together, we will strive for excellence in our continued service to the City of Rockville.”
West began his career with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, where he retired as a lieutenant in 2017. There he served in the Criminal Investigations Section, conducting and supervising investigations of major crimes, including homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, robbery and arson, as well as several other positions.
West is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. He is an alumnus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg.
