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Who is taking over for Carmen Best? Here’s what we know about Interim Chief Adrian Diaz

SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has announced that Deputy Chief Adrian Diaz will assume the role of Interim Chief following current Police Chief Carmen Best’s retirement on Sept. 2.

Here’s what Durkan said about Diaz in an email to SPD staff Monday night:

“I am confident that Deputy Chief Diaz will succeed in his new role as Interim Chief. Serving nearly two decades in the department, he has led the innovative Collaborative Policing Bureau, and he will work with community members and officers to protect community safety and re-imagine policing in Seattle.”

Here’s what we know about Diaz’s background:

Diaz has a B.A. in criminal justice from Central Washington University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington.

Diaz has completed the Major Cities Chiefs Associations Police Executive Leadership Institute, the Cascade Executive Program and the Senior Management Institute of Policing. He also has authored national publications in community policing, misdemeanor justice and juvenile justice.

Diaz began his career in Patrol and worked in the Bike Unit as an undercover officer with the Anti-Crime Team before he joined the Investigations Bureau. He is also a Master Defensive Tactics instructor at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

“(Diaz’s) work building relationships that bridge race, ethnicity and every flavor of humanity can be seen across the Department and in every neighborhood in Seattle,” a description of Diaz’s background on the SPD website reads.

Diaz worked as the Assistant Chief for the Collaborative Policing Bureau prior to his current assignment.

Here’s more coverage on Best’s retirement announcement:

‘When it’s time, it’s time’: Chief Carmen Best announces retirement from SPD

‘I wish she was staying’: Mayor Durkan speaks after Chief Best announces retirement

‘Racism is racism’: Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County issues statement on Chief Best retirement

Seattle City Councilmembers issue statements on Chief Best retirement