Choosing the incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn announced that John Diaz will be the permanent Chief of Police. Diaz, who has served as interim Chief since May of 2009 was praised by McGinn who said, "If I made this decision six months ago, I have to admit I might not have picked Chief Diaz. But I've had the benefit of several things. First I benefitted from a remarkable civic conversation during the campaign and during the search process, in which I've listened and I've learned. But much more important than that, I've had the benefit of working with Chief Diaz for the last six months. I've learned a lot about the Chief, I've learned a lot about our city, about the Seattle Police Department and about what it means to keep our city safe."

He pointed out that the SPD has "faced challenges" during Diaz tenure as interim Chief. But he noted that, "In every interaction I've had with Chief Diaz my opinion of him has gone up. He's a man of deep integrity, a hard worker and dedicated to the police department, and to this city."
McGinn continued, "It's based on my personal knowledge of his qualities, and working with him, and my review of his record as Chief during this interim period that I'm proud to be standing with him today."

Diaz was chosen over East Palo Alto, Calif., Police Chief Ron Davis. Diaz must still be confirmed by The Seattle City Council.

In comments made after McGinn made his announcement Chief Diaz said, "It's no secret that I feel that policing is one of the most noble professions a person can undertake and has incredible rewards and responsibilities. I have to thank some of the great Chiefs that we've had on the department. I came on with Chief Patrick Fitzsimons. He was my chief for 15 years and our last Chief Gil Kerlikowske whom I worked closely with for the last nine years. They were incredible mentors, they were friends and they really helped me progress. This sends a powerful message to the newest rookie and to our most experienced professionals that you can aspire to lead this organization. I started as a patrol officer and I'm always going to think of myself as a patrol officer."

He introduced his first patrol partner Captain Richard Belshay saying, "We still remember that first night we began working together and how close we came to that being our last night working together. Through the years we still continue to look at ourselves as patrol officers. So what this is really saying, what the Mayor has been able to do is to send that message to every officer in the department that you can someday lead this organization.... It shows the incredible respect and trust in the department."