John Diaz selected as Seattle's next police chief
SEATTLE - Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has selected John Diaz as the city's new police chief.
Diaz, who has been serving as Seattle's interim police chief for the past few months, was selected over East Palo Alto, Calif. Police Chief Ron Davis.
McGinn said he might not have chosen Diaz if the selection had taken place six months ago. But the mayor said his assessment of Diaz has risen since.
"In every interaction I've had with Chief Diaz, my opinion of him has gone up," McGinn said. "He's dedicated to working with other city departments and with the community. ... I'm proud to be standing with him today."
McGinn said one of his reasons for choosing Diaz was the way in which he has handled controversial issues, including the videotaped stomping of a man by a Seattle officer and a videotaped assault during a jaywalking stop.
Diaz, for his part, thanked thanked the mayor "for the opportunity to continue to lead one of the finest police departments in the country."
Community reaction to Diaz's selection ran the gamut.
"He has a lot of integrity. People know that about him," said Estela Ortega of El Centro de la Raza, which represents the Latino community.
James Kelly of the local Urban League said, "He's a great guy and a wonderful chief," and has shown leadership in ordering an investigation of the recent videotaped jaywalking incident and the training that led to it.
But the praise was not universal.
"We are greatly disappointed by the decision that has been made here in Seattle," said James Bible of the NAACP. "We're disappointed that the mayor, in light of all the information that we hope is available to him, made this decision. We question whether or not this process, in and of itself, was vetted."
Diaz began his career with the Seattle Police Department in 1980 as a patrol officer. In 2001, he became the force's deputy chief, and began overseeing operations.
He was appointed interim chief after former police chief Gil Kerlikowske left for a job with the Obama administration.
Diaz's appointment must be confirmed by the Seattle City Council before it becomes official.
Council member Tim Burgess said that process should be completed by mid-August at the latest.
"Our police department faces some significant challenges, and we'll be looking to see if Chief Diaz is able to provide the kind of leadership that the council believes is necessary," Burgess told KOMO News. "Frankly, I think he'll do well in that process. We'll see."
Diaz currently earns $184,897 annually, the Office of the Mayor said, and his pay will not automatically be increased if he is confirmed.
Davis had spent 19 years with the Oakland Police Department, and became the chief of East Palo Alto Police Department in May 2005.
A third finalist for police chief, Sacramento chief Rick Braziel, withdrew his name from consideration on June 9.
There are many issues on the table that await Diaz, including a surge in violence in Belltown.
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• View the reaction to Diaz's appointment from the black and Latino community »
Diaz, who has been serving as Seattle's interim police chief for the past few months, was selected over East Palo Alto, Calif. Police Chief Ron Davis.
McGinn said he might not have chosen Diaz if the selection had taken place six months ago. But the mayor said his assessment of Diaz has risen since.
"In every interaction I've had with Chief Diaz, my opinion of him has gone up," McGinn said. "He's dedicated to working with other city departments and with the community. ... I'm proud to be standing with him today."
McGinn said one of his reasons for choosing Diaz was the way in which he has handled controversial issues, including the videotaped stomping of a man by a Seattle officer and a videotaped assault during a jaywalking stop.
Diaz, for his part, thanked thanked the mayor "for the opportunity to continue to lead one of the finest police departments in the country."
Community reaction to Diaz's selection ran the gamut.
"He has a lot of integrity. People know that about him," said Estela Ortega of El Centro de la Raza, which represents the Latino community.
James Kelly of the local Urban League said, "He's a great guy and a wonderful chief," and has shown leadership in ordering an investigation of the recent videotaped jaywalking incident and the training that led to it.
But the praise was not universal.
"We are greatly disappointed by the decision that has been made here in Seattle," said James Bible of the NAACP. "We're disappointed that the mayor, in light of all the information that we hope is available to him, made this decision. We question whether or not this process, in and of itself, was vetted."
Diaz began his career with the Seattle Police Department in 1980 as a patrol officer. In 2001, he became the force's deputy chief, and began overseeing operations.
He was appointed interim chief after former police chief Gil Kerlikowske left for a job with the Obama administration.
Diaz's appointment must be confirmed by the Seattle City Council before it becomes official.
Council member Tim Burgess said that process should be completed by mid-August at the latest.
"Our police department faces some significant challenges, and we'll be looking to see if Chief Diaz is able to provide the kind of leadership that the council believes is necessary," Burgess told KOMO News. "Frankly, I think he'll do well in that process. We'll see."
Diaz currently earns $184,897 annually, the Office of the Mayor said, and his pay will not automatically be increased if he is confirmed.
Davis had spent 19 years with the Oakland Police Department, and became the chief of East Palo Alto Police Department in May 2005.
A third finalist for police chief, Sacramento chief Rick Braziel, withdrew his name from consideration on June 9.
There are many issues on the table that await Diaz, including a surge in violence in Belltown.
--------
• View the reaction to Diaz's appointment from the black and Latino community »