Seattle Police Chief John Diaz announces retirement
Apr 8, 2013, 10:23 AM | Updated: 1:30 pm
Seattle Police Chief John Diaz has officially announced his retirement. (AP Photo/File)
(AP Photo/File)
Seattle Police Chief John Diaz has officially announced his retirement.
“I have to say this is a profession I truly believe in,” Diaz said in a news conference Monday. “I have had the honor of working with the finest men and women in policing.”
Diaz has served as chief of police since Mayor Mike McGinn appointed him to the role in August 2010. He was named interim chief in May 2009 when Chief Gil Kerlikowske left to be director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
The chief thanked McGinn for the opportunity and his wife for her patience. “She’s up for sainthood.”
Mayor McGinn thanked Diaz for his service and recalled several obstacles the chief has had to overcome: assassination of Officer Timothy Brenton, the Greenwood arsons, and the Cafe Racer murders, among others.
Besides lowering the violent crime rate by 2 percent since he took control of the department, the mayor said Chief Diaz was the first ever to terminate an officer for dishonesty. McGinn said Diaz has set a new standard and now the use of offensive and/or racist language can be grounds for termination.
After the Department of Justice said it found a department-wide pattern of unnecessary or excessive force in Seattle, McGinn said Diaz immediately began instructing the department to begin implementation of the DOJ’s recommendations even before there was a settlement.
“He has helped prepare SPD for the reform effort now under way, and richly deserves some R&R before pursuing the next chapter in his life,” said Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes. “I hope he will remain involved in police reform efforts throughout the country.”
Chief Diaz has been with the police department since 1980. He served as the East Precinct captain from 1995 to 2000. Before coming to the department, Diaz was a U.S. Army criminal investigator from 1977-1980. He studied Society & Justice at the University of Washington.
There will be a national search for his successor. Assistant Chief Jim Pugel will be interim chief.
“We’re very lucky Assistant Chief Pugel is taking over,” said Diaz. “He’s going to do an incredible job.”
