FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/8/2013
Councilmember Bruce Harrell responds to the retirement of Chief Diaz
SEATTLE — City Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, issued the following statement today in response to today’s announcement that Chief Diaz will retire:
"I thank John for his years of dedicated service. John was a hard-working officer, protecting and serving the people of Seattle for three decades. He served with honor and distinction, and I wish him the best in retirement.
"I urge the Mayor to immediately begin the process of identifying the next police chief through a national search and to allow for a thorough public review and Council consideration. I would like to see decisiveness and a sense of urgency to establish a clear chain of command to establish effective public safety. It is critical we have a leader that will communicate effectively with the public. The public should not tolerate randomness, arbitrariness or the dragging of feet. The public expects openness, transparency and collaboration in this hiring process that will serve as a basis to provide public confidence in its leadership.
"I look forward to working with Interim Chief Jim Pugel to implement body cameras on our police officers to enhance police accountability and public safety, execute a strong proactive policing plan by setting public safety enforcement and performance objectives and advancing the long-lasting positive changes in the police department as part of the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement."