Boise Police Department hires a new deputy chief. He’ll come to Idaho from California
The Boise Police Department on Thursday announced the hiring of a new deputy chief after a nationwide search.
Tammany Brooks is expected to start with BPD sometime in early October, according to a news release. His selection for the job came after multiple interviews of candidates were conducted by Boise residents, police leadership, union officials and civilian employees of the department, the release said.
Brooks said his family became interested in moving to the Treasure Valley after visiting the area last September.
“We fell in love with the area and purchased a home,” Brooks said in a phone interview. “It kind of changed our ideal of remaining in California.”
Brooks has served at the local police department in Antioch, California, a city of more than 100,000 people in the San Francisco Bay Area, for his entire career since 1995, culminating in his most recent appointment as chief of police in 2017.
The new hire comes as Mayor Lauren McLean has said the department will hire additional officers to meet the needs of a fast-growing city.
Brooks earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco and a master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University. He dropped out of high school before starting his police career, according to a news release.
He said his experience as a chief gives him a unique perspective he can bring to the department and Chief Ryan Lee, one that few others can claim.
“My philosophy as the police chief is really making community engagement and outreach a priority,” he said. “The knowledge that I’ve learned, it will just augment and support (Lee) in moving this organization forward.”
Despite his years of policing experience, Brooks said he still has a lot to learn about Boise and what the needs of its residents are.
“I am really coming in with eyes wide open,” he said.
Lee had praise for the new hire.
“Chief Brooks’ humble personality, strong values, and track record of building successful relationships with officers and his community make him a great addition to our department and our community,” he said in the news release.
This story was originally published August 26, 2021 at 12:12 PM.
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