The mayor is making the announcement now (live at www.seattlechannel.org). Chief John Diaz has led the department as acting chief since last year (here’s his background on the SPD website). The mayor described the new chief as “a man of integrity and a hard worker.” Chief Diaz was one of two finalists for the job, along with the police chief of East Palo Alto, Calif. After recounting some of his history and the chiefs under whom he’s worked, the new chief said the choice sends a message to every SPD officer, “that you can someday lead this organization.” He also said, regarding recent controversies, “We take the scrutiny seriously. … But no one’s going to be harder on the Seattle Police Department than ourselves.” Also: “One of the advantages to picking an internal chief is, there’s no honeymoon period” – and no ramping-up time. He also thanked his wife, whom he noted is a 23-year SPD veteran herself. The first City Council reaction that’s in is from Councilmember Tim Burgess, a former police officer who leads the committee tasked with public safety; he promises a “thorough confirmation process” and says he’s “been impressed with Chief Diaz’s leadership over the past 15 months.” From City Attorney Pete Holmes, “Assuming his confirmation by City Council, Chief Diaz will finally be fully in command of an excellent police department that nonetheless needs his firm leadership to face the challenges ahead. Together we can demonstrate to all people in Seattle – and, indeed, the rest of the country – that public safety and social justice are not mutually exclusive, even in the midst of a deep, stubborn recession.” 11:47 AM UPDATE: We asked the Southwest Precinct Advisory Committee’s chair Pete Spalding for his reaction:
I think John is an excellent choice. I have had the opportunity to work with John over the last couple of years on several community issues. He also stopped by our City Night Out event last August in Pigeon Point. The way that John has handled himself and the department over the last 15 months has been extraordinary in my opinion. With everything that has taken place (no need to go into that here) over the last 15 months the leadership and character that John has displayed will continue to serve SPD well in the weeks and months to come. I hope that the City Council does not drag out the confirmation hearings. This search has been exhaustive with many meetings and public comment periods. I for one am excited for John’s selection by the Mayor as Seattle ’s next Chief of Police.
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