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

September 28, 2022 / 2:37 pm

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.

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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Libby Denkmann
Host, Soundside

Libby Denkmann joined KUOW in December 2021 as the host of the midday show Soundside. She’s a native Pacific Northwesterner who grew up in Redmond, graduated from the University of Washington, and covered local news as a producer and reporter with KIRO Radio.
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Amy Radil
Reporter

Amy Radil is a reporter at KUOW covering politics, government and law enforcement, along with the occasional arts story.
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Noel Gasca
Producer, Soundside

Noel is a producer for KUOW’s midday show Soundside. Prior to joining Soundside, Noel worked as an online editor/producer with KUOW’s web team. She’s also a proud graduate of KUOW’s RadioActive program.
More stories from Noel Gasca »