Mayor outlines plan for Seattle Police chief search and how you figure into it

It’s been more than a year and a half since Adrian Diaz became interim Seattle Police Chief. Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell outlined his plan for finding a permanent police chief, noting that Diaz is “encourage(d) … to apply.” The mayor’s announcement says Harrell will soon hire “an independent third-party firm to assist in identifying candidates nationwide.” He’ll also appoint a search committee “made up of local leaders including law enforcement experts, Community Police Commission members, and representatives from small businesses, communities of color, and other key voices.” Along with those steps, the mayor also promises a website “providing an overview of the search process” and an online survey where community members can “list what they are looking for in the next chief.” The announcement, which does not specify a timeline by which the mayor hopes to make a hire, also notes the city charter spells out some requirements including “a competitive examination … to identify the three finalists” as well as City Council confirmation.

CarDriver March 31, 2022 (1:54 pm)

WSB. Speaking of searches….any word on a new SDOT head?

WSB March 31, 2022 (10:12 pm)

https://westseattleblog.com/2021/12/mayor-elect-harrell-says-sdot-director-sam-zimbabwe-is-out/

StopCuttingDownTrees March 31, 2022 (1:56 pm)

Bring back Carmen Best. No search required.

Mando#2 March 31, 2022 (4:58 pm)

Agreed!
Diaz may also be with consideration..

WSOwl March 31, 2022 (3:10 pm)

Best was the worst.

Rhonda March 31, 2022 (9:36 pm)

Carmen was the Best. It’s right there in the name.

Pete March 31, 2022 (3:24 pm)

I wonder if 3 people will apply.

Mike March 31, 2022 (3:30 pm)

Just appoint Diaz. He’s doing a great job, not easy as a temporary appointment. He is a known quantity. Hiring from outside more often than not is getting a pig in a poke.

Seattlite March 31, 2022 (9:32 pm)

Too much common sense and saving of money to stick to a “known quantity.”
1994 March 31, 2022 (10:48 pm)

Best idea yet! Why spend tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and months! for a nation wide search? What if 3 finalists can’t be identified? Just give Diaz a promotion from temp to permanent. He has done a great job!