New Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best Sets Department Priorities

SEATTLE, WA - Interim Seattle police Chief Carmen Best took control of the department Tuesday morning, and in 2018 she's going to continue priorities like data-driven policing. Best, a deputy chief under former chief Kathleen O'Toole, was sworn in Tuesday morning by Mayor Jenny Durkan.

O'Toole came to Seattle from Boston in 2014 to guide the department through a use-of-force consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice (which Durkan helped negotiate as U.S. Attorney). In April, Seattle Police Monitor Merrick Bobb found the department in initial compliance with use-of-force reforms, but the consent decree is still in place.

In a blog post Tuesday, Best said the department in 2018 will "move ahead" with five priorities:

I want to thank Chief Kathleen O’Toole for her leadership and selfless commitment to our department and our community. Under her leadership, we have met all of the assessments conducted by the Monitoring Team, and are at the leading edge of reform.

Thanks to your incredibly hard work, we have accomplished many major milestones. I am proud of what we have achieved, and our steadfast commitment to reform and our community.
This is a critical time for us. As we move ahead, we will focus on five priorities:

• Reducing Crime and Disorder
• Excellence in Service
• Honor and Professionalism
• Business Efficiency
• Data Driven Policies and Practices

The men and women of the Seattle Police Department and our community have always been at the heart of my desire to serve. I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure we are meeting our community’s expectations, while also leading the way in 21st century policing. I am confident that, together, we can take the Seattle Police Department to the next level.

I am humbled and honored to serve with you. Thank you for all you do, today and every day, to keep our city safe.

Best has said she will apply to be chief permanently. Durkan has established a search committee to find a new chief co-chaired by ACLU deputy legal director Jeff Robinson, former City Councilman Tim Burgess, Seattle Chief Club director Colleen Echohawk, and former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr.

Image courtesy Seattle police