SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle’s police chief announced to her department that she is going to retire. The move was reported Monday, the same day the City Council approved reducing the department through layoffs and attrition. The cuts were supported by demonstrators, but strongly opposed by the mayor and police chief.
Chief Carmen Best, the city’s first Black police chief, told the department of her decision in a letter, saying her retirement will be effective Sept. 2. Budget measures approved Monday would cut less than $4 million of the department’s $400 million annual budget this year.
Best said she was not included in any city council discussions regarding budget cuts and changes to the department she runs.
Deputy Chief Adrian Diaz will be appointed as the interim chief of police effective Sept. 3. The interim position does not require council confirmation.
Best has been with SPD for 28 years, and took on the role of chief of police in August of 2018.