Skip to main content

You make this possible. Support our independent, nonprofit newsroom today.

Give Now

Reactions in the wake of the police chief’s resignation

caption: FILE: A black band is drawn across the badge of Seattle Police Deputy Chief Carmen Best as she stands nearby during a news conference on Friday, July 8, 2016, in Seattle.
Enlarge Icon
FILE: A black band is drawn across the badge of Seattle Police Deputy Chief Carmen Best as she stands nearby during a news conference on Friday, July 8, 2016, in Seattle.
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson

What Carmen Best’s departure means to the city and community. Our weekly talk with King County Executive Dow Constantine. And a chat with City Councilmember Dan Strauss.

Individual segments are available in our podcast stream or at www.kuow.org/record.

David Kroman on Chief Best

Last night, Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best tendered her resignation. Where does that leave the city? And how do activists and community groups respond? For the former, Ross Reynolds spoke to Crosscut’s David Kroman. He also spoke to Reverend Aaron Williams, co-chair of the Seattle Community Police Commission.

Aaron Williams on Chief Best's departure

For a look at community reaction to Chief Best’s departure, Ross Reynolds also spoke to Reverend Aaron Williams, co-chair of the Seattle Community Police Commission.

King County Executive Dow Constantine 8.11

When asked about Carmen Best’s departure, County Executive Dow Constantine emphasized that putting in the messy work toward change doesn’t always move on a timeline that satisfies activists. He spoke about Chief Best’s legacy, and about how the county is doing on COVID testing and treatment.

Councilmember Dan Strauss

In a press conference today, both Chief Carmen Best and Mayor Jenny Durkan slammed the city council’s budget line edits for “playing mini police chief.” City Councilmember Dan Strauss addressed those accusations.

Why you can trust KUOW