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New Seattle Police chief promises greater collaboration, improved mental health services

caption: Adrian Diaz answers questions during a press conference where he was announced by Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell as the new permanent Seattle Police Chief on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Seattle City Hall.
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Adrian Diaz answers questions during a press conference where he was announced by Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell as the new permanent Seattle Police Chief on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Seattle City Hall.
KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

Seattle, meet your new Chief of Police.

Well, new-ish.

Mayor Bruce Harrell has made it official: Interim Chief of Police Adrian Diaz will lead the department permanently.

Diaz stepped in to lead SPD just over two years ago after former Police Chief Carmen Best resigned. Before stepping in as the interim chief, Diaz worked as a deputy chief within the department and he previously served as a bike patrol and undercover officer.

Soundside host Libby Denkmann talked to KUOW politics, government, and law enforcement reporter Amy Radil about Diaz's priorities for the Seattle Police Department.

Listen to the full interview above.

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