Shame on the City Council!

Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best announced that she will be retiring next month. 

The news of Best’s resignation was on the same day the Seattle City Council voted to cut spending for the Seattle Police Department (SPD).

Best has been dealing with issues regarding police brutality nationally, as well as police use of force during Seattle protests, and navigating the federal consent decree. 

Best also had protesters come to her Snohomish County house, creating tension with neighbors.

KING 5 Chief Political Reporter Chris Daniels is tracking matters at City Hall and said Best’s resignation is due to council actions, including a proposed massive pay cut, plus the council’s refusal to denounced marches to her house.

Best said she was not included in any city council discussions regarding budget cuts and changes to the department she runs.

Best will resign Sept. 2. Deputy Chief Adrian Diaz will be appointed as the interim chief of police.

In a letter to the department, Chief Best wrote:

There will be a press conference at 11 a.m. on Tuesday with Durkan and Best explaining the decision. 

Best has been with SPD for 28 years. She was the first Black police chief in Seattle’s history. She took on the role of chief of police on Aug. 13, 2018.

Lisa Herbold should resign in shame.

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