Blaine police chief abruptly resigns to return to LAPD

By Stefanie Donahue

With just over 160 days of service at the Blaine Police Department under his belt, Allen Schubert abruptly resigned from his position as police chief.

The announcement was made during a special meeting on February 4 in which Blaine City Council voted unanimously to approve approximately $28,000 in severance pay for Schubert. Councilmembers cast their vote after an executive session and did not explain why they approved severance pay or what prompted his resignation.

In a statement provided to The Northern Light the next day, city manager Michael Jones confirmed, “Schubert has decided to return to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and resign from his position as the police chief for the city of Blaine.”

Schubert was sworn in as chief last August. He previously worked for the LAPD as a lieutenant of the transit services division.

“During his tenure with Blaine, he worked diligently on the recommendations outlined in the Loaned Executive Management Assistance Program and contributed to building a positive police/community relationship,” Jones said. “We wish to thank him for that service and wish him the best.”

When asked why Blaine City Council approved severance pay, despite Schubert not being terminated from his position, Jones replied, “No further comment.”

According to the Open Public Meetings Act, “… discussion by a governing body of salaries, wages and other conditions of employment to be generally applied within the agency shall occur in a meeting open to the public, and when a governing body elects to take final action hiring, setting the salary of an individual employee or class of employees, or discharging or disciplining an employee, that action shall be taken in a meeting open to the public.”

Jones wasn’t the only one who stayed mum about the announcement. During a brief phone interview with The Northern Light, Schubert said, “I’m just going back to the LAPD. I really haven’t retired from the department yet.”

While working in Blaine, Schubert continued working for the LAPD. When asked if that factored into his decision to resign, he replied “No comment,” adding, “I enjoyed the job, it’s just my time to leave.”

Schubert said he plans to move back to LA with his family and resume his position at the LAPD as lieutenant of the transit services division.

Looking ahead, Jones said the city will recruit the services of Prothman Company, a consulting firm based in Issaquah that specializes in executive recruitment.

The city paid approximately $17,500 to the firm in 2018 to search for candidates for the police chief position. Jones said the contract includes a warranty if the position is vacated within 18 months of hire.

“We’re proceeding with next steps and this agreement would be effective today based on your approval,” Jones said to Blaine City Council. “We’ll get started right away on rounding up another candidate, or candidates.”