In a surprising turn of events, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced over the weekend that Interim Police Chief Carmen Best is in the running to lead the department after another contender pulled out.
The announcement comes weeks after Durkan expressed confidence in the selection process despite outcry from police accountability groups and the police union that felt that Best should have gotten further through the process.
Although Best has no formal offer, outlets report that she is now seen as a front-runner for the job.
The candidate who dropped out, former Pittsburgh Chief of Police Cameron McLay, said in a press release that he felt he could “most effectively support Seattle’s continued reform efforts outside of the role of Chief of Police” after conversations with family and Durkan.
According to the release, Durkan then reconvened the body that assessed the original slate of candidates for police chief on July 6. They selected Best and sent out information about the move on July 7.
Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshleyA_RC
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