As expected and to the delight of many in the Seattle Police Department the Seattle City Council voted unanimously Aug. 9 to confirm John Diaz as the next Chief of Police. Diaz has served as a Seattle police officer for the past three decades and was appointed interim chief in March, 2009.

From the Seattle City Council press release:

Following a recent practice of defining goals for new Department heads, the Council also presented written expectations for Chief Diaz. The letter details expectations in four areas: focused and proactive problem-solving policing, leadership and training in de-escalation practices, setting the bar high in cases of misconduct and restorative discipline, and building public confidence through enhanced crime information reporting. The Council requested regular quarterly updates on these items.

"Chief Diaz has served Seattle for 30 years, but the hardest ones may still be ahead of him," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "I look forward to working with him to improve the department’s performance in the areas of concern we have highlighted."

The Council's vote marks the end of the selection process which started with a citizen panel that vetted candidates and presented Mayor McGinn with three finalists. The Mayor announced Diaz as his appointee on June 24. The Council's Public Safety and Education Committee then interviewed Diaz and heard hours of testimony from the public on his appointment.

"The City can look forward to Chief Diaz renewing relationships within our diverse communities while maintaining a commitment to safe and civil streets. I'm confident in his abilities to cultivate excellence in those four target areas identified by my Council colleagues," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "Our expectations are high and we hope he not only meets, but exceeds them."

"Chief Diaz's support for the neighborhood policing plan, his commitment to excellence and diversity in the ranks, and his demonstrated response to bias crime incidents have earned him my support," said Councilmember Sally J. Clark. "I look forward to working with Chief Diaz to keep Seattle a safe, sustainable and livable city."

Council President Richard Conlin stated, "Chief Diaz has a great track record of achievement in the Seattle Police Department. I have great respect for his integrity, his dedication to effective policing, and his ability to listen, lead and deliver."

"As the new Chief, I expect that John Diaz will set higher standards for police accountability to our communities of color and not tolerate a repeat of instances we have recently observed," said Councilmember Nick Licata.

"Over the past year-and-a-half, Chief Diaz has proven himself as a solid leader for the department. I am encouraged by his vision for the future and I look forward to working with him to achieve the Council’s expectations for his role and the department," said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.

Chief Diaz will be sworn in on Monday, August 16 in Seattle City Hall.

Mayor’s statement on Council confirming Police Chief Diaz

“I am pleased that Council voted unanimously to confirm John Diaz as Seattle’s police chief. There is no question about his commitment to the people of Seattle.

We heard from concerned Seattle residents during the confirmation process and we listened to them. Chief Diaz and I are committed to working with the public to improve safety and build strong and safe communities.”