The choice invites questions of whether or not the department will stick to the status quo or advance innovation and change.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell formally announced that interim Police Chief Adrian Diaz is his selection to permanently fill the vacancy created by former Chief Carmen Best’s resignation in August of 2020. Prior to being named for the interim position, Diaz had been Deputy Police Chief and worked closely with Best. The selection of Diaz by Harrell represents another choice to maintain leadership with professional history within the Seattle Police Department (SPD), despite the City of Seattle having undertaken a nationwide search.
Other finalists for the position included Seattle Assistant Chief of Police Eric Greening and Tucson, Arizona, Assistant Chief of Police Kevin Hall. The appointment of Chief Diaz will need to be approved by Seattle City Council and the date of the vote has not yet been made public.
