Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Selection of Seattle’s Police Chief will be one of the most important appointments made by Mayor Mike McGinn during his first term. Several months ago, Mayor McGinn’s transition team took the first steps by contacting the same people that former Mayor Nickels had chosen to serve on the Police Chief Selection Committee in September 2009. Additionally, Mayor McGinn added four new members. As one of the four, I have been asked and agreed to serve on this important Selection Committee.

My Criteria. While I am committed to help in the search for the person best suited to be Seattle’s Chief of Police, some of the qualities I will look for in a permanent Chief are below, but I look forward to hearing your perspective:

• Assertive enforcement of the law
• Transformational Leader
• Vast wealth of knowledge in police work
• Appreciation and respect for diverse communities
• Strong recognition of preventative measures that lead people to commit crimes
• Respect for and experience in police accountability
• Transparency

Inclusive Process. I believe this is an opportunity to have an inclusive process that will bring many people forward. As people come forward, we will continue our dialogue about the qualities they expect and help the Selection Committee identify the policing needs of the Seattle Police Department and every Seattle neighborhood and community. It is my goal to know what our citizens view as the important tasks and priorities for their communities.

When the power and authority of public participation in decision-making is transparent at the outset and respected throughout the process, this will lay the groundwork for the Search Committee to select the best suited candidate for Seattle Police Chief.

I believe public participation, along with focused deliberations, detailed evaluations, flexible and innovative approaches, will yield a quality decision that will affect the direction and quality of life for all Seattleites.

I will ask the tough questions and probe all relevant subjects. The stakes are too high and that is what you have asked me to do.

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